Closing structure, system of a replaceable aroma container and such closing structure and related drinking device
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing drinking devices for aromatized beverages require complex multi-step operations to switch between aroma delivery modes, often leading to spillage and potential damage to aroma container labels, while failing to effectively prevent undesired ingestion of additives.
Innovation Solution
A closing structure with a cap that moves between storing and operating positions, featuring a pressure equalization duct obstructed by a closing element in the storing position, ensuring liquid retention and label protection, and a hinge mechanism for easy operation, along with a movable aroma container that aligns automatically with an air duct upon cap opening.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a cap is opened to access the mouthpiece for aroma delivery, then aroma perception is enabled, but drinking liquid may spill out through the suction port
Solution Approach 1:
The pressure equalization duct is opened before the cap is fully opened to access the mouthpiece. This preliminary action allows air to enter the vessel interior chamber in advance, equalizing the pressure so that when the cap is opened and the sealing means retracts, liquid does not spill out due to pressure differential
Solution Approach 2:
The cap assembly is divided into functionally independent parts: the cap itself for covering the mouthpiece, and the pressure equalization duct with closing element for pressure control. This segmentation allows the pressure equalization function to operate independently from the aroma delivery access function
2Ease of operation
If the cap is moved between storing and operating positions, then aroma delivery is enabled, but the aroma container label may be damaged
Solution Approach 1:
The aroma container is made replaceable and can be removed from the drinking device. This extraction allows the aroma container to be easily replaced without complex manipulation that could damage labels, and the closing structure provides protection when the container is installed
3Reliability
If a pressure equalization duct is provided to prevent spillage, then liquid retention is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The pressure equalization duct and its closing element are integrated into the cap assembly. The closing element is mounted to the cap or formed integrally with it, merging the pressure control function with the existing cap structure rather than adding a completely separate mechanism
Solution Approach 2:
The closing element serves multiple functions: it obstructs the pressure equalization duct when the cap is in the storing position to prevent liquid leakage, and it allows the duct to open when the cap moves to the operating position. This single component handles both pressure control and sealing functions
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
Facilitates convenient and safe use by preventing spillage and label damage, allowing seamless aroma delivery with simplified operation and enhanced sealing, ensuring the aroma container aligns correctly without additional user interaction.
Implementation Method 1
there is a pressure equalization duct in the closing structure, which, when the closing structure is attached to the vessel, extends from an interior chamber of the vessel to the outside atmosphere when the cap is in the operating position
Implementation Method 2
a closing element mounted to the cap or being integrally formed with the cap, the closing element obstructing the pressure equalization duct when the cap is in the storing position
Implementation Method 3
During drinking the aroma substance reaches the mouth of the user together with the drinking liquid and subsequently rises retronasally via the pharynx to the olfactory mucosa (regio olfactoria), where it is captured by the receptors situated there
Data Source
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AI summary
A closing structure (10) attachable at or close to a filling opening of a vessel (40) of a drinking device comprises - a suction port (18) with an interior transport channel (22) for drinking liquid and a drinking end formed as a mouthpiece (24); - a cap (14) movable between a storing position covering the mouthpiece (24) and an operating position allowing access to the mouthpiece (24); - a pressure equalization duct (60) in the closing structure (10), the pressure equalization duct (60) being arranged such that, when the closing structure (10) is attached to the vessel, it extends from an interior chamber (62) of the vessel (40) to the outside atmosphere when the cap (14) is in the operating position; and - a closing element (64) mounted to the cap (14) or being integrally formed with the cap (14), the closing element (64) obstructing the pressure equalization duct (60) when the cap (14) is in the storing position; wherein - the closing element (64) is arranged and dimensioned such that, when the cap (14) is moved from the storing position towards the operating position, the pressure equalization duct (60) is opened before a sealing means closing the transport channel for drinking liquid at the mouthpiece opens the transport channel for drinking liquid.