Lid for a container
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional beverage containers are unsuitable for drinking while exercising or traveling due to spillage issues, difficulty in opening and closing, and limited portability, making them inconvenient for various environments and user groups.
Innovation Solution
A lid system with a threaded or screw-type connection for easy attachment and removal, featuring a lever mechanism for effortless opening and closing, and multiple openings for pouring and sipping, including a spout with separate fluid pathways for increased functionality and flexibility.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a watertight or airtight seal is used between the cover and the drinking aperture, then spillage is prevented, but substantial effort is required to open and close the cover
Solution Approach 1:
The closure transitions from a static sealed state to a dynamic opening mechanism. When the activator is pressed, the closure dynamically opens to allow beverage flow, then automatically returns to the sealed closed position. This dynamic behavior allows the seal to remain intact during normal use while enabling easy opening on demand without requiring substantial force.
Solution Approach 2:
The closure system is self-actuating through the activator mechanism. Pressing the activator automatically triggers the closure to open and subsequently close itself, eliminating the need for manual manipulation of the cover. The system serves itself by using the activator's simple pressing action to control the entire opening and closing sequence, reducing the effort required from the user.
2Productivity
If the cover is opened suddenly and abruptly, then access to the beverage is quick, but some of the contents spill
Solution Approach 1:
The closure provides controlled dynamic opening rather than sudden abrupt opening. The mechanism allows the closure to open in a controlled manner when the activator is pressed, regulating the flow of beverage and preventing uncontrolled spilling while still providing quick access. The closure's movement is dynamically managed to balance speed of access with spillage control.
3Reliability
If a small cover is used over the drinking aperture, then spillage is prevented, but the opening does not allow sufficient fluid flow
Solution Approach 1:
The closure creates a dynamic opening that can accommodate sufficient fluid flow when opened. The closure's opening mechanism allows the beverage to flow freely when the activator is pressed, while the closure remains closed during normal carrying to prevent spillage. This dynamic state change resolves the contradiction between maintaining a small sealed opening and allowing sufficient fluid flow when needed.
4Reliability
If a button or lever must be depressed to open the cover, then the cover can be secured, but it is awkward and uncomfortable to use continuously
Solution Approach 1:
The closure system is self-actuating through the activator mechanism. Pressing the activator automatically triggers the closure to open and subsequently close itself, eliminating the need for continuous manual manipulation. The system serves itself by using the activator's simple pressing action to control the entire opening and closing sequence, reducing the effort and discomfort associated with continuous use.
5Ease of operation
If the spout is made rotatable, then access to the beverage is improved, but it is difficult to grasp and rotate for users with limited dexterity
Solution Approach 1:
The activator is extracted as a separate, easily graspable component from the spout assembly. Instead of requiring users to grasp and rotate the entire spout, the activator can be independently pressed with minimal grasping effort. This extraction of the control function from the spout structure simplifies the interaction for users with limited dexterity while maintaining beverage access.
Solution Approach 2:
The mechanical rotation of the spout is replaced with a pressing action on the activator. Instead of requiring rotational movement that demands grasping strength and dexterity, the system substitutes a simple linear pressing motion that can be performed with limited hand strength. This mechanical substitution makes the system accessible to users with limited dexterity.
6Ease of operation
If the lid is made removable, then access to the contents is improved, but it is tedious to constantly remove and replace the lid
Solution Approach 1:
The closure system is self-actuating through the activator mechanism. Pressing the activator automatically triggers the closure to open and subsequently close itself, eliminating the need for manual removal and replacement of the lid. The system serves itself by using the activator's simple pressing action to control the entire opening and closing sequence, saving time and effort compared to manually removing and replacing the lid.
Solution Approach 2:
The closure transitions from a static attached state to a dynamic opening mechanism. When the activator is pressed, the closure dynamically opens to allow beverage access, then automatically returns to the closed position. This dynamic behavior eliminates the need for complete lid removal and replacement, reducing the time and tedium associated with frequent access.
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
The lid system provides a secure, leak-proof seal, allowing easy access to contents while minimizing spillage and effort, enhancing usability for various liquids and solids, and accommodating different fluid flow rates, thus improving convenience during exercise, travel, or other activities.
Implementation Method 1
a connecting member pivotally connected to the activator and pivotally connected to the closure. Moving the activator from a closed position to an open position moves the closure from the closed position to the open position
Implementation Method 2
a spout providing separate fluid pathways to two different openings, the first opening sized and configured to allow a first rate of fluid flow, the second opening sized and configured to allow a second rate of fluid flow
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3~4
AI summary
A lid may include first (30) and second (32) openings disposed within a spout (28). The first opening (30) may provide a first fluid pathway to a fluid disposed in an attached container and the second opening (32) may provide a second fluid pathway to a fluid disposed in the container. The lid may also include a spout at least partially defined by an outer wall. First and second openings may be disposed within the spout and the openings may be at least partially defined by the outer wall of the spout. A conduit (56), such as a straw, may be coupled to an opening. If desired, a closure may be connected to the lid and the closure may selectively close one or more of the openings.