Lid for a beverage container
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing beverage container lids face issues with accidental opening due to unintentional actuation of push buttons, loose attachment of closures, and difficulty in accommodating different drinking preferences, leading to potential spilling and inconvenience.
Innovation Solution
A lid design featuring a rotatable lock mechanism to prevent accidental button actuation, a vertical button assembly for secure attachment, and dual drinking openings for versatility, along with a flip-top closure that automatically opens with a spring bias.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a push button mechanism is used to open the closure, then the closure can be opened easily, but accidental opening may occur due to unintentional actuation
Solution Approach 1:
A lock ring is introduced as an intermediary mechanism between the push button and the closure. The lock ring must be rotated to a specific position to enable the push button to actuate the latch, thereby preventing accidental opening while maintaining easy opening when intentionally activated
Solution Approach 2:
The lock ring is made rotatable between a locked position and an unlocked position. This dynamic element allows the system to switch between two states: one where the push button is protected from accidental actuation, and another where it can be easily pressed to open the closure
2Reliability
If a rotatable lock mechanism is added to prevent accidental opening, then reliability improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The lock ring serves multiple functions: it acts as a protective barrier around the spout, provides the locking/unlocking mechanism, and serves as a user interface element that must be rotated to enable opening. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate components, thereby limiting the increase in complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The lock ring combines several elements into a single component: the protective ring structure, the rotatable locking mechanism, and the actuation interface. By merging these functions into one element, the overall device complexity is minimized while still achieving the reliability goal
3Reliability
If the closure is retained in the closed position by a latch, then sealing is improved, but the closure cannot be easily removed for cleaning or replacement
Solution Approach 1:
The closure system is segmented into two distinct parts: the closure itself and the latch mechanism. This segmentation allows the closure to be easily removed from the spout for cleaning or replacement, while the latch remains attached to the lid body to maintain sealing when needed
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The design effectively prevents accidental opening, ensures secure closure attachment, and allows for flexible drinking options, reducing spill risk and enhancing user convenience.
Implementation Method 1
upon release of the latch, the closure is biased to automatically move to the open position by a spring
Data Source
AI summary
Some embodiments described herein are directed to a lid for beverage container having a lid body having a spout, a closure rotatably coupled to the lid body, a latch, and a lock disposed around the spout having a ring and an actuator. The closure can rotate between a closed position to cover the spout and an open position. The latch can move between a first position in which the latch engages with the closure in the closed position and a second position in which the latch does not engage with the closure. The ring can rotate around the spout between an unlocked position in which the button is allowed to move to the second position and a locked position in which the button is inhibited to move to the second position. The actuator extends from the ring and is accessible from a top surface of the lid body.