Multifunction Lid with Adjustable Openings for Fluid Dispensing Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Drinking vessels with fixed secondary holes limit the speed at which liquid can escape, making it difficult to control the dispensing rate of fluids, especially when dealing with hot or cold liquids, as the pressure differential inhibits smooth fluid exit.
Innovation Solution
A multifunction lid with adjustable openings that can be variably covered to expose the contents to different amounts of atmosphere, allowing for independent control of the dispensing rate through multiple operable covers and sealing mechanisms, enabling users to adjust the size of the opening for optimal fluid flow.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a fixed secondary hole is provided in the lid, then the pressure differential is reduced allowing fluid to escape, but the dispensing speed is limited and cannot be adjusted
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by making the secondary opening adjustable rather than fixed. The lid includes a movable cover or adjustable component that allows the user to dynamically change the size of the secondary opening, thereby controlling the degree of atmospheric exposure and adjusting the dispensing rate according to different needs (e.g., hot vs. cold liquids).
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements parameter changes by varying the size of the secondary opening to control the pressure equalization rate. By changing the opening parameter (from fully closed to fully open, or to intermediate positions), the user can adjust how quickly atmospheric pressure equalizes with internal pressure, thus controlling the fluid dispensing speed.
2Reliability
If the vessel is fully covered to prevent contamination and maintain temperature, then thermal integrity is improved, but fluid dispensing is inhibited due to backpressure
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing the lid into multiple functional openings: a primary opening for normal fluid dispensing and a secondary opening for pressure equalization. This segmentation allows the primary opening to remain relatively small (maintaining temperature and preventing contamination) while the secondary opening provides the necessary atmospheric connection for smooth fluid flow.
Solution Approach 2:
The secondary opening acts as an intermediary mechanism that indirectly facilitates fluid dispensing. Instead of enlarging the primary opening (which would compromise temperature maintenance), the secondary opening serves as a mediator that equalizes pressure, enabling the primary opening to remain small while still allowing fluid to dispense smoothly.
3Reliability
If a small opening is used for dispensing to maintain temperature, then thermal integrity is improved, but the dispensing speed is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the secondary opening dynamic and adjustable, allowing users to optimize dispensing speed by opening the secondary cover fully for fast dispensing (cold liquids) or partially for slower dispensing (hot liquids), while the primary opening remains small to maintain temperature.
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
Enables users to control the dispensing rate of liquids based on temperature, preventing spills and ensuring efficient fluid exit by adjusting the opening size, enhancing user experience and maintaining temperature integrity.
Implementation Method 1
the vacuum created by the exiting fluid causes pressure inside the vessel to drop below the pressure outside the vessel. This pressure differential causes air outside the vessel to flow through the spout and into the interior of the vessel
Implementation Method 2
Some disposable coffee cups are formed of an insulating material, such as a polymer foam. Other insulated drinking vessels may include an inner vessel and an outer shell, where at least a portion of the outer shell is spaced apart from a portion of the inner vessel. In some insulated drinking vessels, the space between the inner vessel and the outer shell is filled with air. In other cases the space may be filled with an insulating material, such as a fibrous material, a polymer foam material, or the like. In other cases, the space between the inner vessel and the outer shell is vacuum-sealed.
Data Source
AI summary
The present embodiments describe an insulated drinking vessel and a multifunction lid. In an embodiment, the drinking vessel can be configured to receive a multifunction lid. The multifunction lid may, in one embodiment, include a first opening having a first cover. The first cover is movably disposed on the lid in at least a first and second position, where the first opening is larger when the first cover is in its first position than when in its second position. In an embodiment, the multifunction lid may additionally include a second opening for drinking or sipping directly through the lid. In an embodiment, the lid may include a second cover for covering the second opening in a first position and for allowing access to the fluid through the second opening in a second position. In an embodiment, liquid in said container dispenses more rapidly from the second opening when the first cover is in its first position than when in its second position.