Locking Drink Lid Mechanism for Leak-Safe One-Hand Opening
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing drinking containers lack an effective sealing mechanism that allows for easy and secure opening and closing of orifices, which can lead to leaks and inefficient fluid communication.
Innovation Solution
A drinking container with a trigger assembly that includes a button member movable along a longitudinal axis for locking and unlocking, a manifold, and a seal assembly, allowing fluid communication between the container cavity and the drink aperture by displacing the manifold transverse to the container axis when unlocked.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a simple open aperture design is used, then ease of operation is improved, but reliability deteriorates due to potential leaks and unintended fluid communication
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a dynamic sealing system where the seal member can transition between engaged and disengaged states. The button member moves between locked and unlocked positions, dynamically controlling the seal engagement with the aperture to prevent leaks during transport while allowing easy access during use.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a button member as an intermediary control element between the user and the seal mechanism. This button member engages with the seal member to control fluid communication, providing a reliable interface that prevents unintended opening while enabling deliberate access when needed.
2Reliability
If a locking mechanism is added to prevent leaks, then reliability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple functions into integrated components. The button member simultaneously serves as a control element and a mechanical actuator for the seal. The seal member integrates both sealing and blocking functions, reducing the need for separate components and simplifying the overall mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The seal member is designed with multi-functionality, serving as both a sealing element that prevents leaks and a blocking element that controls fluid communication. This universal component performs multiple critical functions, reducing system complexity while maintaining reliability.
3Reliability
If a secure locking mechanism is implemented, then reliability is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates due to difficulty in opening
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanism is designed to be dynamic rather than static. The button member can easily transition between locked and unlocked states, providing secure locking during transport but allowing quick, deliberate opening when needed. The mechanical advantage provided by the button's movement enables easy state transitions.
4Ease of operation
If the button member is movable in multiple directions, then ease of operation is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The button member is designed with dynamic movement capabilities, allowing it to transition between different positions and orientations. This dynamic design enables the button to engage and disengage the seal member through various movement paths, providing operational flexibility while the mechanical constraints ensure controlled, predictable behavior.
Data Source
AI summary
A locking mechanism for a trigger assembly in a lid of a drinking container is provided. In one embodiment, the locking mechanism comprises a button member, a stop and a manifold. The button member is moveable in a first direction from a first locked position to a second unlocked position. The button member is further moveable in a second direction toward an interior of the lid when the button is disposed in the second position. The button member has a locking protrusion portion. The locking protrusion portion of the button member is disposed proximate the stop in the first position, and distal the stop in the second position. The stop limits movement of the button member in the second direction with the button member disposed in the first position. A manifold is slidingly connected to the button member. The manifold is displaced by the button member when the button member is moved in the second direction. The manifold operates a seal assembly to allow fluid communication between the drink aperture and the container body.