Elastic Sealing Element for Leakage-Proof Cup with Straw Insertion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional cups designed for children are prone to leakage when inclined or overturned, leading to water spillage and potential contamination, and existing leakage-proof solutions are complex and difficult to assemble.
Innovation Solution
A leakage-proof cup with a detachable sealing element made of elastic material featuring a radial flange and notch configuration, along with an anti-slip pattern on the cup cover, ensures secure sealing and easy installation by using a flange and step combination for sealing connection and an anti-slip pattern for improved handling.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a leakage-proof pad with multiple components is used to prevent water leakage, then the sealing performance is improved, but the device complexity and assembly difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the sealing pad, fixing element, and leakage-proof structure into a single integrated sealing component that fits into the insertion hole. This merging of multiple components into one reduces assembly complexity while maintaining the leakage-proof function through the integrated design of the sealing element with embedded fixing structures.
Solution Approach 2:
The sealing component is designed with segmented functional zones: an elastic sealing portion for water tightness, an embedded fixing element for secure attachment, and a leakage-proof structure with channels for fluid management. This segmentation of functions within a single component achieves reliable sealing without requiring multiple separate parts.
2Ease of operation
If a traditional cup cover with insertion hole and straw is used for children, then the ease of operation is improved, but the reliability against leakage deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The sealing element incorporates an elastic portion that dynamically adapts to the straw's insertion and removal. When the straw is inserted, the elastic material deforms to accommodate it; when removed, the elastic force returns the sealing element to its original closed position, automatically preventing leakage without requiring user action.
Solution Approach 2:
The leakage-proof mechanism operates automatically through the elastic recovery of the sealing element. The embedded fixing element and leakage-proof structure work self-activatingly to close the insertion hole when the straw is removed, eliminating the need for manual sealing operations by the child user.
3Volume of stationary object
If the cup is designed with large caliber for traditional use, then the volume capacity is improved, but the adaptability for children's use deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The cup design applies different quality characteristics to different regions: the cup body maintains a larger caliber for adequate capacity, while the cup cover and insertion hole area are designed with smaller, child-appropriate dimensions. The sealing element and straw assembly are specifically sized for children's mouths, creating local adaptability without sacrificing overall volume.
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 water leakage by resetting the sealing element to close the notch upon straw removal, ensuring a simple and convenient assembly process while maintaining a high sealing performance and enhancing user handling.
Implementation Method 1
the sealing element is reset under the action of the elastic force of the sealing element and closes the notch
Data Source
AI summary
A leakage-proof cup with a cup body and a cup cover has an insertion hole penetrating through the cup cover, a sealing element made of an elastic material detachably connected in the insertion hole, and a notch for a straw to be inserted into the cup body formed in the sealing element. The outer edge of the lower end of the sealing element is provided with a flange annularly distributed along the sealing element and extending in a radial direction. The insertion hole is provided with a first step matched with the flange. When the sealing element is connected to the insertion hole, the flange is abutted against the first step. When the straw is taken out of the insertion hole, the sealing element is reset under the elastic force of the sealing element and closes the notch so the water in the cup cannot be spilled out.