Liquid-Dispensing Container with Selector for Straw and Pour Modes
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional liquid containers require inversion or squeezing for dispensing, which can be inconvenient or impractical in situations where attention is diverted, space is limited, or concealment is desired, and straw-equipped containers can be cumbersome and lead to spills or waste.
Innovation Solution
A container with a multiple-position selector that allows liquid dispensing through a straw in an upright position and through a separate path when not upright, featuring a valve assembly with a selector that can be moved between positions for straw mode, pour mode, and detachment mode.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a single-chamber container with a single nozzle is used, then the device structure is simple, but it cannot provide multiple liquid formulations simultaneously
Solution Approach 1:
The container is divided into multiple separate chambers (first chamber, second chamber, etc.), each containing a different liquid formulation. Each chamber has its own dedicated nozzle assembly. This segmentation allows the container to provide multiple liquid formulations simultaneously while keeping each chamber's structure relatively simple and independent.
Solution Approach 2:
The container system is designed to perform multiple functions through a unified structure. The single container body houses multiple chambers, and the selector mechanism enables one container to dispense different liquid formulations based on user selection, making the container multi-functional rather than requiring separate containers for each formulation.
2Ease of operation
If multiple nozzles are provided without a selector, then multiple liquids can be dispensed, but the device becomes complex and difficult to control
Solution Approach 1:
The nozzle assembly is designed to be movable rather than fixed. The selector mechanism enables dynamic switching between different nozzles by moving the nozzle assembly to different positions. This dynamic design allows simple user interaction (rotating the selector) to control which nozzle is active, simplifying operation while managing the complexity of having multiple nozzles.
Solution Approach 2:
The selector mechanism acts as an intermediary between the user and the multiple nozzles. Instead of directly controlling multiple complex valves and nozzles, the user simply rotates the selector to the desired position, and the selector mechanism internally manages the switching between nozzles, simplifying the user interface while managing system complexity.
3Adaptability or versatility
If a movable nozzle assembly is used to select between chambers, then liquid formulation selection is enabled, but the mechanical structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of moving nozzles horizontally or vertically in complex paths, the selector mechanism utilizes rotational movement in a circular dimension. The selector rotates to different angular positions, each corresponding to a different chamber-nozzle pairing. This dimensional approach simplifies the mechanical structure by using simple rotation rather than complex linear actuators or multi-axis positioning systems.
Data Source
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AI summary
A liquid-dispensing container may include a vessel, lid body, valve assembly, selector and/or straw. The selector may be movable between a first position that allows fluid disposed within the container to be discharged through a straw, and a second position that allows fluid within the container to be discharged by inverting and/or squeezing the container. The selector may be movable into a closed position that restricts fluid from being discharged from the container. The selector may be movable into a detachment position that allows for detachment of the selector from a remainder of the container, disassembly of the valve assembly, or both.