Lid-Securing Mechanism for Low-Rotation Leak-Inhibiting Seals
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing travel beverage containers often suffer from leakage due to inadequate seals, with existing leak-proof mechanisms being cumbersome, costly, or difficult to implement, leading to user frustration and inefficiency.
Innovation Solution
A lid-securing mechanism featuring protrusions on the inner surface of a container and channels on the lid that allow for a releasable and reversible seal, enhanced by sloped channel walls to increase pressure and improve sealing, using compressible materials for additional security, allowing easy and secure lid attachment with minimal rotation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a leak-proof mechanism is implemented, then sealing reliability is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The sealing mechanism is segmented into discrete protrusions on the container and corresponding channels on the lid. Each protrusion-channel pair acts as an independent sealing element, allowing the system to achieve reliable sealing through multiple simple geometric features rather than a single complex mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The channel walls are designed with sloped surfaces that change the geometric parameters during lid attachment. As the lid is screwed on, the sloped walls cause the protrusions to translate and compress the seal, transforming the sealing action into a simple rotational motion that automatically generates compressive force.
2Reliability
If a strong seal is implemented, then leakage prevention is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates due to excessive force required
Solution Approach 1:
The sealing mechanism is designed to be dynamic rather than static. The sloped channel walls create a mechanical advantage that converts rotational motion into linear compression of the seal. This dynamic action allows the seal to be compressed gradually during the screwing process, requiring less force than direct compression would demand.
Solution Approach 2:
The sloped channel walls act as intermediaries between the user's rotational input and the seal compression. These inclined surfaces transform the twisting motion into the linear force needed to compress the seal, serving as a mechanical mediator that reduces the effort required by the user.
3Reliability
If compressible material is added to enhance seal, then sealing reliability is improved, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The compressible seal is merged with the lid structure, forming an integrated component rather than a separate part. The seal is positioned within the channel structure and compressed by the protrusions during assembly, combining multiple functions (sealing, structural support, and compression mechanism) into a single manufactured piece.
Solution Approach 2:
The seal material's compression is achieved through geometric parameter changes in the channel walls rather than requiring separate actuation mechanisms. The sloped walls naturally convert rotational motion into the linear compression needed, allowing the compressible material to be effectively utilized without adding complex manufacturing steps.
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 mechanism provides a substantially leak-inhibiting seal that is durable, easy to use, and cost-effective, reducing spillage and enhancing user confidence in container closure.
Implementation Method 1
the lid can include a ring of material that is at least partially compressible (e.g., one or more rubbers, foams, polymers, and/or other natural or synthetic materials). In such embodiments, the material can be compressed to help establish the seal
Implementation Method 2
a ring of material that is at least partially compressible (e.g., one or more rubbers, foams, polymers)
Implementation Method 3
The protrusions and channels are configured so that the protrusions can be aligned with the channels, and then inserted into and through the channels to thereby secure the lid
Data Source
AI summary
Lid-securing mechanisms, beverage containers with lid-securing mechanisms, and methods of manufacturing, testing, and using the same are provided herein, among things. The lid-securing mechanism can include separate elements that can be mateably engaged to thereby form a seal that substantially limits or inhibits liquids from passing through the seal. The lid-securing mechanism can include a first element located on a base structure (e.g., a cup or canister) and a second element located on a lid. The first element and the second element are configured to be releasably and/or reversibly coupled together to form a seal between the lid and the base structure. In embodiments, the first element is a plurality of protrusions located about an inner surface of the base structure, and the second element is a plurality of channels located about the lid.