Container Closure Venting Seal for Steam Splash Prevention
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing container closures fail to effectively manage steam pressure and prevent splashing of hot beverages while maintaining temperature and ensuring easy cleanability.
Innovation Solution
A container closure with a base member, cover member, and gasket that includes frustoconical seal members to manage pressure, a vent channel for steam release, and movable positions to regulate aperture alignment for drinking and venting.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the closure is opened to allow beverage flow, then drinking function is enabled, but steam pressure causes splashing and sputtering
Solution Approach 1:
The venting function is segmented from the drinking aperture by providing a separate venting opening and vent channel in the cover member. This allows steam pressure to be released independently through the vent channel while the drinking aperture remains sealed by the plunger, preventing splashing during beverage flow.
Solution Approach 2:
The closure system performs preliminary venting action before opening the drinking aperture. When the cover member is rotated to the vent position, steam pressure is released through the vent channel first, reducing pressure buildup. Only after pressure is reduced does the plunger allow beverage flow through the drinking aperture, preventing steam-induced splashing.
2Temperature
If the cover member is sealed to maintain temperature, then thermal insulation is improved, but pressure buildup occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The sealing system is segmented into two independent pathways: a sealed drinking aperture controlled by the plunger and a separate venting opening with vent channel. The gasket provides overall sealing between the base member and cover member to maintain temperature, while the vent channel allows pressure release without compromising the thermal seal.
Solution Approach 2:
The vent channel acts as an intermediary pathway for steam pressure release. It provides a controlled escape route for steam between the cover member and base member, allowing pressure management while maintaining the sealed environment needed for thermal insulation of the beverage.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple openings are provided for drinking and venting, then functional versatility is improved, but cleanability becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The vent channel is designed to extend to the peripheral edge of the cover member, creating an equipotential drainage path that allows liquid to flow freely to the outer edge for easy wiping. This design equalizes the drainage potential across the entire vent channel length, making cleanability as easy as wiping the outer peripheral edge rather than accessing internal channels.
4Object-affected harmful factors
If the plunger blocks the drinking aperture, then spill prevention is improved, but beverage access is restricted
Solution Approach 1:
The plunger is designed as a dynamic component that moves between two positions: a closed position where it blocks the drinking aperture to prevent spills, and an open position where it allows beverage flow. The plunger is rotatably connected to the cover member, enabling easy transition between sealed and open states for controlled beverage access.
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
Effectively reduces steam pressure-induced splashing and maintains beverage temperature, while providing easy cleanability and efficient fluid communication.
Implementation Method 1
Each of the first seal member and the second seal member is substantially frustoconical shaped and is adapted to flex outwardly into engagement with the cover member in response to an increase in pressure within the associated container
Implementation Method 2
The vent channel is adapted to allow pressure and steam to escape between the cover member and the base member
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3
Figure 4
AI summary
A container closure includes a base member, a cover member and a gasket. The base member is configured for attachment to an associated liquid container and includes a base wall having drinking and venting openings. The cover member is removably connected to the base member and includes a cover wall having drinking and venting apertures in selective registry with the respective drinking and venting openings. The gasket is interposed between the base member and the cover member and has an upper surface facing the cover member. The upper surface integrally defines a first seal member surrounding the drinking aperture and a second seal member surrounding the venting aperture. Each of the first seal member and the second seal member is substantially frustoconical shaped and is adapted to flex outwardly into engagement with the cover member in response to an increase in pressure within the associated container.