Non-Spill Collar and Seal Assembly for 360-Degree Drinking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional spill-proof containers are complex and restrict the area from which a user can drink, making them unsuitable for young children transitioning from bottles to open cups, as they often result in spillage when knocked over.
Innovation Solution
A non-spill collar and valve assembly with a frustoconical shape and a resilient sealing ring that allows fluid to be drawn from any point around the rim, featuring handles for easier handling and a secure fastening mechanism to prevent leakage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional spill-proof container covers are used, then spillage is prevented, but the device complexity increases due to complex parts and valve structures
Solution Approach 1:
The collar is divided into multiple functional segments: an outer collar structure, an inner collar structure, and a seal member. These segmented components work together to provide spill prevention through a simple yet effective mechanism where the seal member engages with channels in the inner collar to control fluid flow, eliminating the need for complex valve structures.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of using complex active valve mechanisms to prevent spills, the invention inverts the approach by using a passive seal member that relies on surface tension and capillary action. The seal member naturally prevents spills through its engagement with the collar channels, and only allows fluid flow when the container is properly oriented for drinking, thereby simplifying the overall device structure.
2Reliability
If traditional spill-proof container covers are used, then spillage is prevented, but the area from which user can drink is restricted
Solution Approach 1:
The collar structure is designed with multiple channels distributed around its circumference, allowing the seal member to engage with any of these channels. This universal design enables the child to drink from any location around the rim of the container, providing 360-degree accessibility while maintaining spill prevention through the seal member's engagement with the channel system.
3Ease of operation
If conventional open cup is used, then ease of operation is improved, but spillage occurs when knocked over
Solution Approach 1:
The seal member is designed to automatically engage with the collar channels based on the container's orientation. When the container is knocked over or not properly positioned, the seal member passively seals the channels to prevent spills. When the container is held correctly for drinking, the seal member naturally disengages to allow fluid flow, providing self-regulating spill prevention without requiring active control mechanisms.
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 solution provides a spill-proof drinking container that allows fluid to be consumed from any angle around the rim, reducing spillage and enhancing user confidence for children transitioning to open cups, while being easy to hold and use.
Implementation Method 1
a resilient sealing ring adapted to form a fluid seal between the collar and the opening of the container
Implementation Method 2
The resilient sealing ring adapted to form a fluid seal between the collar and the opening of the container
Implementation Method 3
one or more protrusions disposed radially adjacent to the support surface defining one or more channels. One or more passages are disposed through the internal wall to channel a fluid at a desired flow rate
Data Source
AI summary
A non-spill collar and valve assembly having a collar and a seal. The collar comprising an internal wall having a support surface and one or more passage therethrough. The internal wall having a frustoconical shape with an open upper end that extends downward and inwardly into a closed lower end with a projection extending outward therefrom and a fastener assembly provided opposite the internal wall. The internal wall further comprises a support surface provided along an inner surface of the open upper end having one or more protrusions disposed radially adjacent to the support surface defining one or more channels. One or more passages are disposed through the internal wall to channel a fluid at a desired flow rate. The seal has a first surface substantially similar to a shape of the internal wall is also provided. The seal has a blind bore recess on a lower surface for receiving and securing the projection therein.