Illuminated liquid container cap
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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, sensors, and timers, providing illumination through the liquid or directly on the application surface, and can be configured to conserve battery life.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If a light source is added to illuminate the application area, then visibility during low-light applications is improved, but battery consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The light source operates periodically rather than continuously, activating only when motion is detected or when the container is opened. This intermittent operation provides necessary illumination during use while conserving battery power during storage and non-use periods.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates sensors (motion detectors, light sensors, or opening detectors) that provide feedback about user presence or container state. Based on this feedback, the control system intelligently activates or deactivates the light source, ensuring illumination is provided only when actually needed.
2Illumination intensity
If a light source with switch and battery is integrated into the cap, then illumination function is added, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The light source, battery, switch, and control components are integrated into the existing cap structure rather than being separate additions. The cap serves multiple functions: it seals the container, provides the illumination system, and houses the control electronics, thereby reducing overall device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The cap is designed as a multi-functional component that combines the traditional sealing function with the new illumination function. The same structural element (the cap) performs both closure and lighting tasks, eliminating the need for separate illumination devices.
3Illumination intensity
If the light source is activated continuously, then visibility is maintained, but battery life decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The light source operates periodically rather than continuously, activating only when motion is detected or when the container is opened. This intermittent operation provides necessary illumination during use while conserving battery power during storage and non-use periods.
Solution Approach 2:
The system automatically activates and deactivates the light source based on sensor input without requiring manual user control. The motion detector or opening detector self-service triggers the illumination, and the system automatically manages power consumption based on detected conditions.
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 during low-light applications, allowing users to accurately target and measure liquid application without external lighting, while also optimizing battery life through automatic deactivation and sensor controls.
Implementation Method 1
The illumination device can include a light emitting diode
Implementation Method 2
The illumination device can include an organic light emitting diode material
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.