Lid assembly for a fluid vessel
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing lid assemblies for fluid vessels are overly complex, costly, and difficult to clean due to non-removable sealing assemblies that complicate thermal management and maintenance.
Innovation Solution
A rotatable valve assembly with a valve body having an adapter portion coupling opposite ends, allowing for removable attachment to the lid, featuring a stopper that separates from the opening when rotated, simplifying design, reducing fabrication costs, and facilitating cleaning.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If a sealing assembly is used to regulate fluid communication through the lid opening, then thermal convection is limited, but the assembly becomes overly complex and costly to fabricate
Solution Approach 1:
The sealing function is segmented into two independent components: a removable stopper that seals the opening and a valve body that controls fluid flow. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently, reducing overall complexity while maintaining thermal convection control when the stopper is in place
Solution Approach 2:
The stopper is extracted as a separate removable component from the integrated sealing assembly. This allows the stopper to be easily removed for cleaning and replacement, simplifying the overall assembly structure while still providing effective thermal convection control when installed
2Loss of energy
If a sealing assembly is integrated into the lid, then thermal convection is controlled, but cleaning becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The stopper is extracted as a separate removable component from the lid body, allowing it to be easily removed for cleaning the opening area and the stopper itself. This separation maintains thermal convection control when the stopper is installed while dramatically improving cleaning accessibility
Solution Approach 2:
The valve body is designed to rotate between a first position (allowing fluid flow) and a second position (blocking fluid flow). This dynamic positioning capability allows for easy cleaning access in the first position while maintaining sealing in the second position, resolving the conflict between operational flexibility and cleaning ease
3Reliability
If a complex sealing assembly is used, then fluid communication is regulated, but fabrication cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The sealing and flow regulation functions are segmented into separate components (stopper and valve body), allowing each to be manufactured using simpler, more cost-effective processes. The stopper can be produced as a basic sealing element while the valve body incorporates rotation capability, reducing overall fabrication complexity and cost
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of integrating the sealing function into the lid body itself, the invention inverts the approach by using a removable stopper that seals against the opening. This inversion simplifies the lid structure and allows the sealing component to be manufactured separately using more economical methods
Data Source
AI summary
A valve for a lid of a fluid vessel includes a valve body having an adapter portion coupling first and second opposite ends of the valve body. The first and second ends are rotatably fixed to each other and have an angle formed therebetween. The adapter portion is configured to be rotatably coupled to the lid about a first axis. The first end of the valve body is configured to be coupled to a button for rotating the first end about the first axis. The valve includes a stopper coupled to the second end of the valve body and configured to cover an opening in the lid. The stopper is configured to be separated from the opening when the first end of the valve body is rotated in a first direction about the first axis.