Threadless Hinged Lid for Residual Fluid Extraction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing containers for fluid products, such as soaps and condiments, often leave residual amounts difficult to extract due to lack of adaptability for inversion, leading to awkward and messy methods for users.
Innovation Solution
A reusable device with a lid that serves as a base and a threadless cap connected by a hinge, featuring a plug for secure fluid drainage and evaporation prevention, adaptable to various bottle sizes with a tapered, flexible design to ensure stability and minimize leakage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the container is turned upside down to allow gravity to pull fluid from the bottom to the top, then residual fluid extraction is improved, but the container lacks stability and requires manufacturer adaptation
Solution Approach 1:
The device acts as an intermediary between the container and the user's hand. The base attaches to the container opening while the handle provides a stable gripping interface. This mediator structure enables the container to be inverted for improved fluid extraction without requiring the container itself to be specially adapted, and provides stability during operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The device is segmented into distinct functional components: a base for attaching to the container, a handle for gripping and inversion, and a plug for sealing. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently - the base provides stable attachment, the handle provides ergonomic inversion control, and the plug prevents leakage.
2Productivity
If a dual cap system is used to stack containers for gravity emptying, then fluid extraction is improved, but the device complexity increases and adaptability to various bottle sizes decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The base is designed with a universal interface that can attach to various container opening sizes. The tapered, flexible configuration of the base allows it to adapt to different bottle diameters and shapes. This universal design enables a single device to work with multiple container types without requiring size-specific variants.
3Productivity
If the container opening is left open during inversion for fluid drainage, then fluid extraction is improved, but evaporation and leakage increase
Solution Approach 1:
The plug is designed to be dynamically controllable - it can be easily inserted and removed by the user. During fluid drainage, the plug is removed to allow gravity-driven flow. When drainage is complete, the plug is reinserted to seal the opening, preventing evaporation and leakage. This dynamic control allows the system to switch between open and sealed states as needed.
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 efficient extraction of residual fluid products by providing a stable inverted base and preventing leakage, reducing waste and saving users money by utilizing remaining product amounts.
Implementation Method 1
allow gravity to pull the fluid from the bottom of the container to near the top of the container
Implementation Method 2
the plug 105 serves to minimize evaporation of the fluid when the container is upright
Data Source
AI summary
A device for extracting residual amounts of fluid from containers, including containers for consumer products is disclosed. The device comprises a lid, further comprising a plug; a flexible hinge; and a threadless cap, further comprising an opening, a notch, and a tapered, flexible neck. Another embodiment of the device includes material wherein the lid is comprised of a material more rigid than the tapered, flexible neck. A further embodiment of the device includes material wherein the cap is comprised of material more rigid than the tapered, flexible neck.