Mug Lid Latch Cam to Prevent Accidental Unscrewing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing beverage containers often result in the lid becoming loose and falling off during use due to the user inadvertently unscrewing it past the intended open position, leading to potential spills, as existing solutions like interference fits are not reliable and wear down over time.
Innovation Solution
A beverage container system with a latch mechanism between the lid and the container body that prevents the lid from being unscrewed beyond a predetermined position, utilizing a locking tab and cam system to ensure the lid remains securely attached during use and only allows complete removal when intentionally released.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the lid is designed to be unscrewed for beverage dispensing, then the user can access the beverage, but the lid may be inadvertently unscrewed too far and fall off the container
Solution Approach 1:
A latch mechanism acts as an intermediary between the lid and container body. The latch includes a cam member on the lid that engages with a tab member on the container, preventing the lid from being completely removed while still allowing it to be unscrewed to a predetermined position for beverage dispensing.
Solution Approach 2:
The latch mechanism applies preliminary anti-action by engaging the cam and tab members before the lid can be fully unscrewed. This prevents the lid from falling off inadvertently while still permitting controlled unscrewing for dispensing.
2Reliability
If a small protrusion interference fit is used on the threads to prevent lid removal, then the lid should stay attached, but the interference fit is not pronounced enough and can be easily overcome by the user
Solution Approach 1:
The retention mechanism is segmented into distinct components: a cam member with a cam surface on the lid, and a tab member with a cam receiving surface on the container. This segmentation creates a pronounced mechanical interference that is more effective than a simple thread protrusion.
Solution Approach 2:
The cam surface is curved, creating a mechanical advantage that provides a pronounced interference fit. The curved geometry of the cam and tab engagement creates a more significant mechanical barrier compared to linear thread protrusions.
3Reliability
If the protrusion on the threads is made more pronounced to prevent inadvertent removal, then the lid retention improves, but the protrusion wears down over time and becomes less effective
Solution Approach 1:
The latch mechanism merges the retention function with the dispensing mechanism. The cam and tab members are integrated into the lid and container structure, distributing the mechanical stress across larger surfaces rather than concentrating it on small protrusions that wear down.
Solution Approach 2:
The latch mechanism performs preliminary action by establishing a secure mechanical engagement before use. The cam and tab members are pre-positioned to engage automatically when the lid is screwed onto the container, creating immediate retention without relying on wear-resistant protrusions.
Data Source
AI summary
A drinking mug includes a lid affixed at the mouth of the mug. The lid includes fluid openings between a bottom portion of the lid and sidewalls of the lid about the circumference of the lid to permit drinking from any position along the circumference. The lid has a gasket that seals the mug closed when the lid is threaded to a closed position. When the lid is partially unscrewed, the gasket opens, permitting liquid to be consumed from the beverage container through the fluid openings in the lid. The lid includes a ramp-shaped cam and the mug includes a pivotable latch that engages the cam that prevents the lid from being unscrewed from the mug. The latch has a push button that releases the latch from the cam to permit removal of the lid.