Button-Actuated Rotating Straw Lid for One-Handed Hydration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing water bottle lids often require both hands to operate and have complex deployment mechanisms, distracting athletes during workouts and exercise routines.
Innovation Solution
A lid assembly with a spout connected to a straw that can be operated with one hand, featuring a sliding button and linkage mechanism allowing the spout to be easily opened and closed, enabling quick hydration without disrupting athletic focus.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a threaded lid or cap is used on a water bottle, then the lid can be securely closed to prevent leakage, but the athlete must unscrew the lid before drinking, which distracts from the workout routine
Solution Approach 1:
The lid is segmented into a stationary base and a rotating spout assembly. The spout can be independently rotated to between locked and unlocked positions, allowing quick access to water without opening the entire lid. This segmentation enables the athlete to access water by simply rotating the spout 90 degrees, eliminating the need to unscrew the entire lid.
2Reliability
If a push button mechanism with spring-loaded or bent tube is used to lock/unlock the spout, then the spout can be secured, but the mechanism becomes overly complicated and distracting to the user
Solution Approach 1:
The complex spring-loaded or bent tube mechanisms are extracted and replaced with a simple manual rotation system. The spout assembly includes a rotation indicator that visually shows whether the spout is locked or unlocked, eliminating the need for complicated internal mechanisms while maintaining reliability through a straightforward rotational locking action.
3Ease of operation
If a lever attached to the spout is used that requires pulling or pushing to move the spout into drinking position, then the spout can be controlled, but both hands may be required to fully operate the lid
Solution Approach 1:
The spout assembly is designed to be dynamically rotatable between locked and unlocked positions. A rotation indicator provides dynamic visual feedback about the spout's position, allowing the athlete to quickly determine whether the spout is ready for drinking without requiring complex manual manipulation or two-handed operation.
Data Source
AI summary
A lid assembly that includes at least one curved linkage coupling a button to a spout. The spout has a drinking aperture and is configured to convey a liquid to the drinking aperture. The button is configured to slide linearly between button open and button closed positions. The at least one curved linkage is configured to rotate the spout when the button slides linearly. The at least one curved linkage is configured to rotate the spout into a spout open position when the button is slid linearly into the button open position. The at least one curved linkage is configured to rotate the spout into a spout closed position when the button is slid linearly into the button closed position. The liquid is drinkable by a user from the drinking aperture when the spout is in the spout open position.