Container Lid with Pivoting Closure for Spill-Free Beverage Access
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional beverage containers are unsuitable for use during exercise or travel due to their tendency to spill, difficulty in opening and closing, and limited portability, making them inconvenient for consuming liquids on the go.
Innovation Solution
A container with a lid that features a threaded or screw-type connection for easy attachment and removal, providing a watertight seal, and includes multiple openings with different sizes and configurations to facilitate pouring and drinking, along with a closure mechanism that requires minimal effort to open and close, allowing for flexible use and fluid flow control.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a watertight or airtight seal is used between the cover and the drinking aperture to prevent spilling, then the container prevents beverage spillage, but substantial effort is required to open and close the cover
Solution Approach 1:
The closure mechanism transitions from a static sealed state to a dynamic opening state through pivotal movement. The cover pivots on a hinge axis, allowing it to rotate from covering the drinking aperture to a position where the beverage flow channel connects to the aperture, enabling easy opening without substantial force.
Solution Approach 2:
The beverage flow channel acts as an intermediary element that connects the beverage reservoir to the drinking aperture when the cover is in the open position. This channel allows controlled fluid flow while the cover is pivoting, mediating between the sealed container interior and the external drinking environment.
2Productivity
If the cover is opened suddenly and abruptly to allow beverage consumption, then the user can quickly access the beverage, but some of the contents may spill
Solution Approach 1:
The cover's pivotal movement provides a controlled, gradual transition from closed to open position rather than sudden opening. The hinge mechanism allows the cover to rotate smoothly, enabling the user to control the opening speed and prevent abrupt beverage release that could cause spilling.
Solution Approach 2:
The beverage flow channel maintains continuous controlled flow from the beverage reservoir through the channel to the drinking aperture as the cover opens. This continuous controlled pathway prevents intermittent splashing or abrupt release of beverage contents during the opening process.
3Reliability
If a small cover is used over the drinking aperture to prevent spilling, then the container prevents beverage spillage, but a relatively large amount of force is required to open and close the cover
Solution Approach 1:
The cover's pivotal attachment allows it to rotate open with minimal force applied at the free end. The hinge mechanism creates a mechanical advantage where a small force applied to pivot the cover generates sufficient moment to overcome the sealing force, reducing the opening force requirement compared to manually sliding a tight-fitting cover.
4Reliability
If the closure is designed to securely seal the drinking aperture, then the container prevents leakage, but the closure may be difficult to securely close
Solution Approach 1:
The beverage flow channel serves as an intermediary that maintains the sealed relationship between the cover and container body even when the cover is in the open position. The channel's configuration ensures proper alignment and sealing engagement, making it easier to secure the closure while maintaining reliable leak prevention.
Data Source
AI summary
A lid may include first and second openings disposed within a spout. The first opening may provide a first fluid pathway to a fluid disposed in an attached container and the second opening may provide a second fluid pathway to a fluid disposed in the container. The lid may also include a spout at least partially defined by an outer wall. First and second openings may be disposed within the spout and the openings may be at least partially defined by the outer wall of the spout. A conduit, such as a straw, may be coupled to an opening. If desired, a closure may be connected to the lid and the closure may selectively close one or more of the openings.