Beverage Container Lid Assembly with Thermal Insulation and Venting

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing beverage container lids lack effective insulation, sealing, and venting features, leading to condensation and spillage issues.

Innovation Solution

A lid assembly with a cover that includes thermal insulation chambers, a gasket for sealing, and venting apertures that can actuate between open and closed positions, enhancing insulation and preventing spillage.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Temperature

If traditional lid designs are used, then the structure is simple, but thermal insulation is insufficient leading to condensation

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvethermal insulationVSAvoidlid structure
Core Design Contradiction:
TemperatureVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The lid is divided into multiple functional components: an inner lid portion, an outer lid portion, and a cover assembly. The inner lid includes threading for engagement, the outer lid provides structural support, and the cover seals the drinking aperture. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function optimally while collectively providing superior thermal insulation compared to traditional single-piece lids.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The cover is nested within the outer lid, with the cover's outer surface fitting into a recess formed in the inner surface of the outer lid. The gasket is positioned between the cover and the inner lid, creating a nested configuration of multiple components. This nesting arrangement maximizes space utilization and ensures tight sealing while maintaining thermal insulation properties.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

2Reliability

If basic lid design is used, then manufacturing is simple, but sealing performance is poor causing spillage

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesealing performanceVSAvoidmanufacturing complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

A gasket made of flexible material is positioned between the cover and the inner lid to create an effective seal. The gasket can be a thin film or ring that deforms to fill gaps and prevent leakage at the interface between rigid components. This flexible sealing element ensures spillage prevention while being relatively simple to manufacture and install.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

Solution Approach 2:

The lid assembly combines multiple materials with different properties: the inner and outer lid portions may be made of rigid plastic for structural integrity, the cover provides sealing surfaces, and the gasket uses elastomeric material for flexible sealing. This composite construction achieves superior sealing performance by leveraging the complementary properties of different materials.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

3Reliability

If no venting feature is provided, then the structure is simpler, but beverage freshness is compromised

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvebeverage freshnessVSAvoidlid structure
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The cover acts as an intermediary component that selectively controls the venting function. It includes a venting aperture that allows gas exchange to maintain beverage freshness, while also providing a closed position to seal the drinking aperture when not in use. This intermediary structure enables controlled interaction between the beverage and external environment.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

4Ease of operation

If the cover always seals the aperture, then spillage is prevented, but drinking access is blocked

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedrinking accessVSAvoidspillage
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The cover is designed to be movable relative to the outer lid, allowing it to be positioned in different states: sealed position to prevent spillage, and open position to provide drinking access. The dynamic configuration enables the lid assembly to adapt to different usage requirements, transitioning between sealing and accessing functions as needed.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

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 lid assembly effectively reduces condensation and prevents spillage while maintaining beverage freshness by providing thermal insulation and controlled venting.

Implementation Method 1

The one or more chambers provide thermal insulation between the inner wall and the outer wall

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectThermal insulation: Thermal Insulation

Data Source

PatentEP4706459A1Beverage container lid assembly
Publication Date: 2026.03.11 MILWAUKEE ELECTRIC TOOL CORP
  • EP4706459A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4706459A1 patent drawingFigure 2~3
  • EP4706459A1 patent drawingFigure 4~5

AI summary

One or more beverage container lid assemblies (110) are provided that is configured to enclose a beverage within a beverage container (172). The lid assemblies (110) selectively actuate between closed and open positions. In the open position the beverage within the beverage container (172) is accessible, and in the closed position the beverage is enclosed within the beverage container (172).