Drink Cup Lid with Multi-Ring Seal to Prevent Hot Liquid Leakage
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Solution Overview
Problem
Drink cups with existing lids often leak, particularly when filled with hot liquids, due to inadequate sealing between the lid and the cup, which is frustrating for consumers and affects the usability of such containers.
Innovation Solution
A lid with a ring-shaped brim mount featuring four seal rings that establish annular liquid flow barriers by mating with the cup's brim and side wall, creating an interference fit to ensure a secure and leak-resistant seal, using materials like polystyrene or polypropylene and a thermoforming process.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a simple lid design is used, then manufacturing cost and device complexity are reduced, but sealing reliability deteriorates causing leaks
Solution Approach 1:
The lid is divided into multiple functional segments: a brim mount portion with four separate seal rings positioned at different locations and angles, and a central closure portion. This segmentation allows each seal ring to independently contribute to the overall seal, with the four seal rings creating multiple barrier layers that prevent liquid leakage even when individual seals are compromised.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a single seal configuration is used, then device complexity is reduced, but adaptability to varying cup geometries deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
Each of the four seal rings is positioned at a different location and orientation around the brim mount, with each ring designed to engage with specific portions of the cup brim. This local quality approach ensures that regardless of the cup's specific geometry or brim shape, at least some of the seal rings will make proper contact and create effective seals, making the lid adaptable to various cup designs.
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 leaks during the Montreal leak test, ensuring consistent contact with the cup's brim and maintaining a seal even with varying cup geometries, making it suitable for both cold and hot liquids.
Implementation Method 1
creating an interference fit to ensure a secure and leak-resistant seal
Data Source
AI summary
A liquid container includes a cup having a brim forming an opening into an interior region of the cup. The container also includes a lid configured to mount on the brim of the cup to close the opening.