Illuminated liquid container cap with rocker dispensing mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Liquids sold in dispenser packages 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 packages lack adequate illumination.
Innovation Solution
An illuminated liquid container with a built-in or retrofittable light source, such as LEDs or OLEDs, that can be activated by switches, photocells, or orientation sensors, providing illumination to the liquid and application site through refraction or reflection, with features like timers and relays to conserve battery life.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If a light source is added to illuminate the application site, then visibility in low-light conditions is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the light source, battery, switch, and dispenser cap into a single integrated unit. The light source is positioned within the cap structure, and electrical connections are made through the cap's internal components, merging illumination and dispensing functions into one device rather than separate components.
Solution Approach 2:
The cap serves multiple functions: it acts as both the dispensing mechanism (with nozzle and actuator) and the housing for the illumination system (containing light source, battery, and switch). This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate illumination devices and simplifies the overall system.
2Illumination intensity
If a light source is continuously activated, then visibility is maintained, but battery life is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The light source is activated periodically rather than continuously. A switch mechanism (manual or automatic sensor-based) turns the light on when dispensing occurs and turns it off when dispensing stops, providing illumination only when needed and conserving battery power during non-use periods.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses feedback from the dispensing action (manual switch activation or automatic sensor detection of dispensing conditions) to control light source activation. The light responds to the dispensing state, turning on when liquid is being dispensed and turning off when dispensing ceases, optimizing battery usage based on actual need.
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 life by providing controlled and efficient lighting solutions for dispenser packages.
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.