Insulated container

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing vacuum jugs face issues with unintentional opening and complex assembly due to the design of their lids, leading to potential liquid leakage and operational complexity.

Innovation Solution

A vacuum jug design featuring a lid with an upper part fixed to the container and a lower part that is pivotably mounted, with a spring bias for easy operation and integral actuating element, along with stops to prevent incorrect operation, and a single annular seal for secure sealing, ensuring the lid can be reliably opened and closed without unintentional movement.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If the lid is mounted pivotably via a tilting edge and actuating lever, then the lid can be opened and closed for pouring, but the lid can be unintentionally pivoted into an open position causing liquid to escape

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvelid opening and closingVSAvoidunintentional opening prevention
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The lid is divided into an upper part fixed to the container and a lower part that pivots relative to the upper part. The lower part contains the pouring opening and is mounted pivotably on the upper part, allowing controlled opening while the fixed upper part prevents unintentional movement of the entire lid assembly.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Reliability

If additional connecting elements are used to hold the lid assembly on the jug handle, then the lid can be securely attached, but the assembly becomes complex

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvelid attachment securityVSAvoidlid assembly structure
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The actuating element is designed integrally with the lower part of the lid, combining the lid structure and actuation mechanism into a single unified component. This reduces the number of separate parts and simplifies assembly while maintaining secure attachment to the container.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Device complexity

If a single annular seal is provided in the area of the container opening, then the sealing structure is simplified, but adequate sealing must be maintained in both closed and open positions

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesealing structureVSAvoidsealing effectiveness
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The sealing system uses a single annular seal positioned in the area of the container opening that provides sealing in both closed and open positions. The seal is strategically placed to maintain contact with sealing surfaces regardless of the lower lid part's position, eliminating the need for separate sealing mechanisms for each state.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

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

This design enhances handling by preventing unintentional opening, reducing the risk of liquid leakage and simplifying assembly, while maintaining a compact structure with fewer components and ensuring effective sealing during both closed and open positions.

Implementation Method 1

A spring can be provided between the upper part and the lower part, in particular a helical spring, which enables easy assembly and operation.

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectSpring: Spring

Data Source

PatentEP3122217B1Insulated container
Publication Date: 2019.11.20 MELITTA EUROPA
  • EP3122217B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3122217B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3122217B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The invention relates to an insulating pitcher, comprising a container (4), which has an opening (10) on the top side, at which opening a lid (6) is retained, which closes the opening (10) in a closing position and can be at least partially moved by means of an actuating element (31) in order to partially open the opening (10) in order to pour out liquid, wherein the lid (6) has an upper part (20) fastened to the container (4) and a lower part (30) pivotably retained on the upper part (20).