Integral Hinge Cup Lid Assembly for Spout Alignment and Hygiene
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Solution Overview
Problem
The assembly of lids with spouts on children's drinking cups is complex due to the need for precise alignment of the spout and cap, which complicates the process of keeping the spout clean.
Innovation Solution
A lid assembly featuring a soft, flexible cover with an integrally molded spout and cap mount, allowing the cap to pivot and move between open and closed positions, ensuring the spout is accessible for drinking while maintaining cleanliness and simplifying alignment with the drinking cup.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If the lid and cap are designed as separate components requiring alignment, then the spout can be properly positioned, but the assembly process becomes complex
Solution Approach 1:
The cap mount is integrally molded with the cover as a single piece, eliminating the need for separate alignment of the cap mount with the cover. This merging of components simplifies the assembly process while maintaining proper spout positioning, directly resolving the contradiction between manufacturing precision and device complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The cap mount is pre-formed as an integral part of the cover during the molding process, establishing the correct spatial relationship between the cap mounting location and the spout before assembly. This preliminary positioning action eliminates the need for complex alignment operations during final assembly
2Object-affected harmful factors
If the cap is fixed in position, then the spout remains covered for hygiene, but the spout is not accessible for drinking
Solution Approach 1:
The cap is designed to pivot about a pivot axis, transforming it from a static fixed component to a dynamic movable component. This allows the cap to switch between covering the spout for hygiene and opening for drinking, resolving the contradiction between protection and accessibility
Solution Approach 2:
The cap assembly is segmented into movable and stationary parts, with the cap able to pivot independently relative to the cover. This segmentation enables the cap to change its position between open and closed states, allowing both hygiene protection and drinking accessibility
Data Source
AI summary
A lid assembly for connecting with an associated drinking cup includes a cover and a cap. The cover is configured to attach with the associated drinking cup for covering an open top of the associated drinking cup. The cover is formed of a soft, flexible material and includes an integrally molded spout and an integrally molded cap mount. The cap is configured to connect with the cap mount for pivotal movement with respect to the cover about a pivot axis. With the cap connected to the cap mount, the cap is moveable between an open position where the spout is accessible to be received inside a person's mouth and a closed position where the cap covers the spout.