Eccentric Spout Lid Assembly with Locking Seal
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing liquid containers with spouts face challenges in being stackable, interchangeable, and adaptable for both hot and cold items while maintaining a common space envelope, and they often require separate designs for different functionalities.
Innovation Solution
A container lid assembly with a spout and spout cover that is eccentrically positioned, made from different materials for flexibility and rigidity, and a lock mechanism for secure sealing, allowing for nesting and easy stacking, along with a set of liquid containment vessels with varying properties that can use the same lids.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the spout cover is made movable between closed and open positions, then the ease of operation is improved, but the device complexity increases due to the additional locking mechanism
Solution Approach 1:
The spout cover is designed to be movable between a closed position (when the lock engages) and an open position (when the lock disengages), allowing dynamic adaptation to different usage states while maintaining operational simplicity through a single degree of freedom motion
Solution Approach 2:
The locking function is extracted as a separate component (lock) that operates independently from the spout cover, allowing the cover to focus on its primary sealing function while the lock handles the securing mechanism, thereby reducing overall system complexity
2Adaptability or versatility
If the spout is positioned eccentrically, then the adaptability for different container types is improved, but the manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The spout is positioned eccentrically (asymmetrically) relative to the container centerline, allowing the same lid assembly to fit different container types and configurations. The asymmetric positioning provides versatility while the standardized mounting interface maintains manufacturing precision
3Productivity
If the lid assembly is designed to be stackable, then the productivity for storage and shipping is improved, but the device complexity increases due to the nesting structure
Solution Approach 1:
The lid assembly incorporates a nesting structure where the body can be inserted through the opening of another lid assembly, allowing compact stacking for efficient storage and shipping. The nesting function is integrated into the existing body geometry rather than adding separate components
4Adaptability or versatility
If the body and spout are made from different materials with different rigidity, then the adaptability for different temperatures is improved, but the manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The lid assembly uses composite materials where the body is made from a rigid material (such as metal or rigid plastic) and the spout is made from a flexible material (such as silicone or elastomer), allowing the assembly to adapt to different temperature conditions while maintaining manufacturing precision through standardized interfaces
Data Source
AI summary
A container assembly has a cup-shaped container, a lid body, a spout, a spout cover, and a spout cover securement, or lock. The lid body has a depending periphery that releasably mounts to the cup-shaped container. The lid body has a matrix extending within the periphery. The spout seat is located eccentrically and inwardly of the periphery. It has a root and a tip. The spout cover is movably mounted to the spout cover seat. When closed, the spout cover seals the spout. The lock moves between a first position and a second positon. In the first position the lock keeps the spout cover sealed to the tip. In the second position the spout cover securement permits motion of said spout cover to open. The lid is stackable on other lids. The container assembly cup comes in several forms, the different forms being mutually stacking.