Drinking spout with trigger and valve mechanism for bottles and cans
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing beverage containers lack a device that allows for uninhibited, full-flow drinking with a user-initiated trigger mechanism that can be activated with one hand and automatically closes, while also being compatible with industry-standard bottles and cans, and preventing spillage.
Innovation Solution
A universal bottle spout with a spring-loaded valve mechanism and ergonomic design, featuring a trigger-activated valve that automatically closes and a safety lock, which can be attached to various bottle types using a universal connector with threads and a rubber coupler, allowing for one-handed operation and preventing accidental opening.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a traditional bottle cap is used, then the bottle can be sealed, but two hands are needed to open and close it, creating safety risks for drivers
Solution Approach 1:
The valve mechanism automatically closes when the trigger is released, eliminating the need for a second hand to close the cap. The system serves itself by using the trigger release to automatically return the valve to closed position, enabling safe one-handed operation for drivers
Solution Approach 2:
The valve transitions from a static closed state to a dynamic open state when triggered, and automatically returns to closed state when released. This dynamic mechanism allows temporary opening for drinking while maintaining automatic closure for safety, enabling one-handed operation without compromising safety
2Ease of operation
If the valve opens fully for uninhibited flow, then drinking is convenient, but spillage risk increases
Solution Approach 1:
The valve operates in periodic cycles: closed state for safety, triggered open state for drinking, and automatic return to closed state. This periodic action allows full-flow drinking when needed while automatically preventing spillage when the trigger is released, resolving the contradiction between drinking convenience and spillage prevention
3Adaptability or versatility
If a universal attachment system is used, then compatibility with various bottles is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The attachment system incorporates multiple thread type options (e.g., standard bottle threads, can threads) and a stretchy rubber coupler that can adapt to different bottle openings. This universal design allows the same spout to attach to various bottle types (water bottles, soda bottles, cans) without requiring multiple different spouts, achieving versatility while keeping the overall device structure relatively simple
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
Enables safe and convenient one-handed drinking from a variety of beverage containers, reducing spillage and enhancing user safety, particularly for drivers and children, while being reusable and easy to clean.
Implementation Method 1
Within the housing, the bottle spout is comprised of a valve that covers the orifice and a spring-loaded mechanism to move the valve and uncover the orifice completely
Data Source
AI summary
A bottle comprising a bottle spout manufactured into the bottle that provides for an uninhibited, full-flow of beverage which has a user-initiated trigger and valve mechanism that can be activated in a single motion with one hand and which closes automatically when the user-initiated trigger is released. The bottle spout comprises a housing with a drinking end and a bottle connector end, a valve that is connected to an external trigger by a spring-loaded recoil mechanism, and a safety lock to prevent accidental opening of the valve. The bottle with the bottle spout may also comprise a carry clip and ergonomic features for ease of carrying and holding, respectively.