Lip-Activated Cup Assembly to Reduce Spills and Assembly Complexity
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing child cups face challenges in preventing leaks and spills, particularly when transitioning from nipple or spout-based drinking to open-rim cups, and often have complex assembly designs that are difficult to clean and assemble correctly.
Innovation Solution
A lip-activated cup assembly with a movable member that is biased to a closed state, allowing fluid to flow when pressured by a child's lip, and featuring a simplified design with fewer parts and a secure connection mechanism that provides tactile and audible feedback for proper assembly, reducing leaks and spills.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a lip-activated movable member is added to enable transition from spout to open-rim drinking, then the child's developmental needs are met, but the device complexity increases and assembly becomes more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the movable member, baffle, and sealing elements into an integrated lid assembly that functions as a unified structure. The movable member is integrated with the baffle to form a single operational unit that transitions from closed to open position, reducing the need for separate components and simplifying assembly while maintaining the developmental transition capability
Solution Approach 2:
The lid assembly serves multiple functions: it provides spill prevention through the biased closed position, enables drinking transition through lip activation, and incorporates sealing mechanisms all in one component structure. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional separate parts, addressing the complexity issue while maintaining adaptability
2Reliability
If a four-piece assembly with collar, movable member, baffle, and connecting piece is used, then the lip-activated function is achieved, but the assembly and reassembly becomes difficult and error-prone
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the lid assembly into modular components with standardized connection interfaces. The movable member and baffle are designed as separable units with alignment features and snap-fit connections, allowing easy assembly and disassembly without complex tooling or orientation requirements, thus improving ease of operation while maintaining functional reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The assembly mechanism incorporates tactile feedback through click-stop positions and visual indicators that confirm proper assembly. The biased spring mechanism provides audible feedback upon engagement, ensuring users can verify correct assembly without requiring disassembly or complex alignment procedures, thereby improving ease of operation
3Strength
If blind openings and crevices are present at connection points, then the structural integrity is maintained, but cleaning becomes difficult and improper assembly is more likely
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of creating blind openings that trap debris, the patent designs open-channel connection points where fluid flow naturally carries away contaminants. The connection interfaces feature exposed sealing surfaces and open geometries that allow cleaning solutions to reach all surfaces, reversing the conventional approach of enclosed connection points while maintaining structural integrity through optimized wall thickness and support ribs
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 cup assembly effectively transitions children from nipple or spout drinking to open-rim drinking while minimizing spills and leaks, and simplifies assembly and cleaning with a reduced number of parts and intuitive connection mechanisms.
Implementation Method 1
The movable member is biased to be in a closed state
Implementation Method 2
The child exerts a force on a movable member which deflects and permits fluid to bypass the movable member
Data Source
AI summary
A cup (12) or container assembly (10) having a lip (13, 15) activated input feature. The lip (13, 15) activated feature permits removal of the contents from the cup (12) or container (12) while mitigating against leaks and/or spills. The lid (12, 14) includes a movable member (48, 58) and a baffle (54, 59). The cup assembly (10) is constructed to have streamlined assembly method due to a reduced number of parts needing separation and/or improved connecting features. The improved geometry of lid (12, 14) components lends to heightened ease of cleaning. A cup (12) or container assembly (10) having a lip (13, 15) activated input feature. The lip (13, 15) activated feature permits removal of the contents from the cup (12) or container (12) while mitigating against leaks and/or spills. The lid (12, 14) includes a movable member (48, 58) and a baffle (54, 59). The cup assembly (10) is constructed to have streamlined assembly method due to a reduced number of parts needing separation and/or improved connecting features. The improved geometry of lid (12, 14) components lends to heightened ease of cleaning.