Dripless Cap and Cup with Integrated Drip Collector Cavity
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing liquid detergent measuring cups face issues with residue accumulation and dripping, leading to product waste and hazards when returned to storage position, due to lack of effective drip collection mechanisms.
Innovation Solution
Design of a cap and cup system with a drip collector cavity around 60-90% of the rim perimeter, including a pouring spout option, graduated lines for measurement, and radial partitions for added rigidity, which collects and contains residue and post-use drips, preventing leakage and waste.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the measuring cup is placed back into the horizontal storage position covering the nozzle dispenser after use, then the cup serves its dual purpose as cap and measuring device, but liquid detergent residue accumulates and traps at the rim creating hazards and product waste
Solution Approach 1:
The cap is divided into functional zones: a drip collector cavity positioned around 60-90% of the rim perimeter to collect residue and drips, and a pouring spout portion that allows controlled drainage of collected liquid back into the bottle, preventing hazard creation while maintaining dual functionality
Solution Approach 2:
The drip collector cavity acts as an intermediary structure between the rim and the bottle body, intercepting and containing residue and post-use drips before they can accumulate at the rim or create hazards, while the pouring spout provides a controlled pathway for liquid management
2Reliability
If the measuring cup rim creates a watertight seal when snapped to the detergent bottle, then leakage is prevented, but any accumulated liquid at the rim cannot escape and may spill when the cup is removed
Solution Approach 1:
The harmful accumulated liquid is extracted from the sealing interface by directing it into the drip collector cavity through gravity and surface tension, allowing the rim to maintain its watertight sealing function while the collected liquid is separately managed and drained through the pouring spout
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of allowing liquid to accumulate at the rim seal and potentially spill, the design inverts the approach by providing a dedicated collection cavity that actively captures and contains the liquid, then allows controlled drainage back into the bottle, reversing the harmful accumulation process
3Device complexity
If the measuring cup is designed without a drip collection mechanism, then the structure remains simple, but residue and drips create hazards and product waste
Solution Approach 1:
The drip collector cavity and pouring spout are integrated into the cap structure as a unified feature rather than a separate attachment, combining the functions of residue collection, containment, and controlled drainage within the single cap component, maintaining simplicity while eliminating hazards
Solution Approach 2:
The drip collector cavity utilizes the vertical dimension by positioning the collection area below the rim level and the pouring spout extending downward, allowing gravity to naturally manage liquid flow from collection to drainage without requiring complex mechanical components
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 cap and cup system effectively prevents dripping and waste by collecting residue and post-use drips within the drip collector cavity, ensuring a watertight seal and reducing product loss when stored or used.
Implementation Method 1
a drip collector cavity positioned around a portion of the perimeter of the rim... collects and contains residue and post-use drips
Data Source
AI summary
A liquid bottle or container, such as for liquid detergent, and corresponding cap and cup is disclosed for operation in a horizontal position with the cap and cup side wall substantially parallel to the ground, the cap and cup shape providing a built-in drip collector cavity positioned around a portion of the circumference or perimeter of the cap and cup rim on the open end of the cap. The cap and cup may be used to cover a nozzle or other valve dispenser during storage. The drip collector cavity has a volume sufficient to collect liquid residue remaining after normal use of the cap as a measuring and dispensing cup, and any post-use drops from the dispenser nozzle. Thus, the cap and cup of the present disclosure is dripless or nearly drip less. In an embodiment, at least a portion of the cap rim perimeter around which no built-in drip collector cavity is positioned is shaped as a pouring spout. In another embodiment, the area of the liquid container body which receives the cap is shaped to have an indent to accept the pouring spout, thus acting as an orientation key. In yet another embodiment, the drip collector cavity includes one or more radial partitions providing additional rigidity and support to the rim. In another alternative embodiment, the cap and cup shape provides a built-in drip collector cavity at the closed end of the cap. The side wall along the lowest elevation has a negative slope such that when the cap and cup is in the generally horizontal storage position covering the nozzle dispenser, the lowest point of elevation of the rim of the cap and cup is a higher elevation than the lowest point of elevation of the closed end of the cap and cup, thus resulting in collection of liquid residue at and/or near the closed end of the cap and cup.