One-Handed Beverage Lid Stopper for Spill-Free Insulated Drinking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing lids for liquid storage vessels either lack control over fluid exit, leading to potential spills when tipped, or have always-open apertures that do not provide insulation.
Innovation Solution
A beverage container closure with a selectively openable stopper assembly and air vent, featuring a flexible seal and cam follower mechanism, allowing controlled fluid flow and easy one-handed operation while maintaining a sealed position.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the lid includes unobstructed apertures for liquid exit, then the ease of operation is improved, but the reliability deteriorates due to potential spills when the vessel is tipped or dropped
Solution Approach 1:
The stopper assembly is designed to be movable rather than fixed, allowing it to dynamically respond to vessel orientation. When the vessel is upright, the aperture remains open for drinking; when tipped or inverted, the stopper automatically moves to close the aperture, preventing spills. This dynamic adaptation resolves the contradiction between ease of operation and spill prevention.
2Reliability
If the lid includes a means for selectively opening and closing apertures, then the reliability is improved by preventing spills, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The stopper assembly utilizes the vessel's own motion and orientation to automatically open and close the aperture. The system serves itself by using gravity and user handling actions rather than requiring separate control mechanisms. This self-service approach achieves reliable spill prevention without adding significant complexity to the lid structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The stopper assembly acts as an intermediary element between the user's drinking action and the aperture opening/closing. It mediates the fluid flow control by responding to vessel orientation and user intent, providing a simple mechanical solution that bridges the gap between reliability requirements and structural simplicity.
3Ease of operation
If the aperture is always open for easy access, then the ease of operation is improved, but the loss of energy increases due to lack of insulation
Solution Approach 1:
The aperture dynamically transitions between open and closed states based on usage needs. When drinking, the aperture is open for easy access; when not in use, the stopper closes the aperture to provide thermal insulation. This dynamic state change resolves the contradiction between ease of operation and energy conservation.
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
Enables controlled fluid exit and resealing, preventing spills and maintaining content insulation, suitable for various user activities like drinking on-the-go.
Implementation Method 1
a flexible seal member (56) positioned adjacent the sidewall (52)
Implementation Method 2
cam follower mechanism
Data Source
AI summary
A beverage container closure or lid that is adapted for closing an open end of a beverage container. The lid is selectively couplable to the beverage container and includes a selectively openable stopper that when closed, creates a fluid-tight seal between the beverage container and the environment. The stopper may be selectively opened by a user by the user pressing a button disposed on a side of the beverage container closure. The stopper is subsequently automatically closed when the user releases the button. Thus, a user may open and close the beverage container closure using a single hand without the need to remove the beverage container closure from the beverage container.