Lid assembly for a container
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Solution Overview
Problem
Refillable beverage containers face issues with accidental discharge of beverages due to unintentional activation of the locking mechanism and contamination of the drinking area from debris, especially when carried in bags with other items.
Innovation Solution
A lid assembly with a button member and displaceable seal assembly that includes a locking mechanism with a cover portion, which can be rotated to prevent accidental activation and keep the drinking area clean by ensuring the button member can only be displaced when intentionally unlocked, thereby preventing fluid leakage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a locking mechanism with a lever or button is used to control fluid flow, then the beverage can be selectively dispensed, but the locking mechanism can be accidentally disengaged by contact with other items in a bag
Solution Approach 1:
The button member is disposed within a button cavity in the base portion, creating a nested structure where the button is recessed and protected. This nesting prevents accidental contact with external objects while still allowing intentional actuation. The seal assembly is also nested within the container structure, with the seal member positioned within the fluid aperture when closed.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking mechanism is designed to require a deliberate two-step action: first rotating the lid to an open position, then pressing the button. This preliminary rotation action ensures that the mechanism cannot be accidentally activated, as the button is only accessible and functional after the intentional rotation step has been performed.
2Ease of operation
If the drinking area is exposed for easy access, then the user can easily drink the beverage, but the drinking area becomes contaminated by debris from bags
Solution Approach 1:
The lid must be rotated to a specific open position before the button can be actuated and the seal opened. This preliminary rotation action serves as a deliberate user intent indicator, ensuring that the drinking area is only exposed when the user intentionally prepares to drink, thereby preventing accidental exposure and contamination during storage.
Solution Approach 2:
The seal member is made of a flexible material that can deform to open the fluid aperture when actuated, allowing easy access when needed, and flexes to close and seal the aperture when not in use, protecting the drinking area from contamination. The flexible nature allows for smooth transition between protected and accessible states.
Data Source
AI summary
A lid assembly adapted to be removably secured to a container includes a base portion having a fluid aperture, and a ridge portion extends from a top surface of the base portion. A button member is coupled to the base portion, and depressing the button member from a closed position to an open position displaces a seal member of a seal assembly away from the fluid aperture so that fluids may pass from the interior of the container through the fluid aperture. A locking assembly includes a cover portion coupled to the base portion, and when the cover portion is in a locked position, an engagement portion engages a recess on the button member to prevent displacement out of the closed position. When the cover portion is rotated into an unlocked position, the engagement portion disengages the recess, thus allowing the button member to displace to the open position.