Container Lid with Bistable Pouring Shutter for One-Handed Operation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing beverage preparation containers with lid-actuated pouring shutters are cumbersome and impractical for single-handed use, requiring users to manage handles and buttons simultaneously, leading to discomfort and difficulty in handling additional objects while pouring.
Innovation Solution
A container design with a fixed handle and a bistable control device, where the button is positioned on the handle or lid, allowing the pouring shutter to be controlled with the thumb of the hand grasping the container, eliminating the need for constant thumb operation and enabling one-handed use.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the lid incorporates a handle for manipulation, then the container can be held, but the lid becomes bulky and difficult to hold and place on support
Solution Approach 1:
The handle is separated from the lid and made fixed to the container body. The lid becomes a simple cover without handle functionality, reducing its volume and simplifying its structure while the fixed handle on the container provides all the manipulation functions needed.
2Ease of operation
If the user must hold the handle and press the button simultaneously, then the shutter can be controlled, but this causes discomfort in the thumb and/or wrist
Solution Approach 1:
The button is positioned on the handle in such a way that the natural grip on the handle automatically positions the thumb or fingers to press the button without additional effort or awkward positioning. The design leverages the existing hand posture for both gripping and controlling the shutter.
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
Enhances ergonomics by allowing one-handed operation of the container, reducing user discomfort and facilitating easier handling of additional objects during pouring, while maintaining the lid's removability for cleaning and filling.
Implementation Method 1
The change of position of the pouring shutter is controlled by a button acting on a bistable control device
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5
AI summary
The invention relates to a container (1) extending along a direction defined by a vertical axis (X1) and comprising a container (2), a removable lid (5), a handle (3) fixed to the container, and a spout (4) arranged on the container. The lid has a pouring channel (20) between the inside of the container and the spout, the pouring channel having a pouring stopper (22) movable between an open and a closed position. The change in position of the pouring stopper is controlled by a button (7) acting on a bistable control device (12).The button (7) is arranged on the fixed handle (3) or on the lid (5), near the fixed handle (3), such that the hand grasping the handle (3) to operate the container can also press the button (7). The button (7) is movable between a resting position and a depressed position in which the bistable control device (12) changes the position of the pouring shutter (22). In one embodiment, the container (1) is a carafe intended for use with a coffee machine.