Illuminated Liquid Container Cap for Low-Light Dispensing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Liquids packaged in dispenser containers often require application in low-light conditions, making it difficult for users to identify the target surface and determine the amount of liquid applied, as existing containers lack adequate illumination.
Innovation Solution
An illuminated liquid container equipped with a light source, such as LEDs or OLEDs, that can be activated by a switch or automatically when the container is opened or tilted, providing illumination to the liquid and application site through refraction or reflection, and featuring components like photocells and timers to conserve battery life.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If a light source is added to illuminate the liquid container, then visibility in low-light conditions is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The light source is integrated within the cap structure, which itself is part of the liquid container assembly. This nested arrangement allows the illumination function to be added without requiring a separate external lighting device, thereby improving visibility while minimizing the increase in overall device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines the lighting function with the existing cap structure by incorporating the light source, battery, and switch into the cap assembly. This merging of functions allows the container to provide both dispensing and illumination capabilities through a single integrated device rather than separate components.
2Illumination intensity
If the light source is activated continuously, then visibility is maintained, but battery life is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The light source is designed to be activated periodically rather than continuously. A switch mechanism allows the user to activate the light only when needed during the dispensing process, and the light can be deactivated when not required. This periodic activation maintains visibility during critical moments while preserving battery life during storage and non-use periods.
3Ease of operation
If automatic activation features are added, then ease of operation is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The cap structure is pre-configured with the light source positioned to illuminate the dispensing area, and the switch is pre-arranged in the cap assembly. This preliminary arrangement of components during manufacturing allows the device to automatically provide illumination when the cap is attached and used, improving ease of operation without requiring complex real-time adjustments or additional control mechanisms during use.
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
Enhances visibility in low-light conditions, allowing users to accurately apply liquids and conserve battery power by activating the light only when needed, thus improving usability and efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
the light source can include a light emitting device such as a bulb, a light emitting diode ('LED'), an organic light emitting diode ('OLED') material or lighting panel
Implementation Method 2
providing illumination to the liquid and application site through refraction or reflection
Implementation Method 3
providing illumination to the liquid and application site through refraction or reflection
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments of an illuminated liquid container are disclosed herein. The illuminated liquid container can include a light source that, when activated, emits light, and a switch that activates the light source. Some embodiments of the illuminated liquid container include a bottle for holding a liquid and a cap through which the liquid can be passed.