Drink Cup Lid With Multi-Seal Interference Fit Against Leakage
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing drink cup lids fail to establish a secure seal with the cup, leading to liquid leakage and potential collapse of the cup when dropped, due to inadequate interference fit and lack of effective liquid flow barriers.
Innovation Solution
A lid with multiple seal rings and a deformable bowl-shaped closure that creates a press-plug interference fit with the cup, utilizing elastic material to reinforce the cup and prevent collapse, and features like annular lid-removal blocker walls to secure the lid in place.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a simple lid closure is used, then the device complexity is reduced, but the seal reliability deteriorates causing liquid leakage
Solution Approach 1:
The lid is divided into multiple functional components: a closure member, a brim mount with multiple seal rings, and a holder assembly. Each component performs a specific sealing function at different locations around the cup opening, ensuring comprehensive sealing without requiring a single complex structure.
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple seal rings are positioned at different radial distances from the cup center (first, second, and third seal rings at different radii). Each seal ring addresses a specific sealing need at its particular location, creating localized sealing zones that collectively prevent liquid leakage throughout the entire opening perimeter.
2Ease of operation
If no interference fit mechanism is provided, then the ease of operation is improved, but the seal reliability worsens leading to liquid leakage
Solution Approach 1:
The holder assembly is designed to be deformable and flexible, allowing it to dynamically adapt to the cup opening geometry during installation. This dynamic flexibility enables the holder to create an interference fit that secures the lid reliably while maintaining ease of installation through simple insertion and deformation.
3Device complexity
If the cup lacks structural reinforcement, then the device complexity is reduced, but the strength deteriorates causing cup collapse upon impact
Solution Approach 1:
The holder assembly is pre-formed with a deformable structure that, upon insertion, creates an interference fit and mechanically reinforces the cup opening area. This preliminary structural reinforcement is built into the lid assembly itself, strengthening the cup against impact forces without requiring separate reinforcement components.
4Reliability
If multiple seal rings are used, then the seal effectiveness is improved preventing liquid leakage, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple seal rings are integrated into a single brim mount component rather than being separate parts. The first, second, and third seal rings are combined in one piece that attaches to the closure member, reducing the total number of parts while maintaining multiple sealing functions.
Solution Approach 2:
The brim mount serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides structural support for the closure, creates an interference fit with the cup, and houses multiple seal rings for liquid sealing. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate components, balancing sealing effectiveness with device complexity.
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
The solution effectively prevents liquid leakage and spillage while reinforcing the cup to prevent collapse upon impact, ensuring a secure and reliable closure.
Implementation Method 1
The lid includes a bowl-shaped closure made of an elastic material and configured to deform elastically when inserted into the mouth opening of the paper cup to establish a sealed tight interference fit between the lid and the paper cup
Implementation Method 2
The lid is configured to mate with a paper cup to establish a 'press-plug' interference fit and several liquid flow barriers (i.e., 'seals') between the lid and the paper cup
Data Source
AI summary
A liquid container includes a brim forming an opening into a liquid reservoir chamber formed in the cup. A lid is coupled to the brim to form more than one seal with the container.