Non-spill drinking container lid device
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing non-spill drinking container lids often have complex valve elements and gaskets that are difficult to clean, prone to deformation, and may leak due to repeated use, posing hygiene risks, especially for young children.
Innovation Solution
A lid device comprising a collar, a sealing element with castellations, and a twist fastener that secures the sealing element within the collar, allowing fluid flow by suction and compression, providing a wide opening for easy drinking with less exertion and preventing spills when tipped or shaken, without the need for springs or hinges.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If a gasket or sealing element is made removable for cleaning purposes, then hygiene is improved, but the sealing element may be permanently deformed through repeated deformation and pulling, causing it to no longer seal properly
Solution Approach 1:
The lid device is divided into three main segments: the collar attached to the container, the sealing element seated within the collar, and the twist fastener securing the sealing element. This segmentation allows the sealing element to be easily removed from the collar by simply unscrewing the twist fastener, eliminating the need to pull or deform the sealing element itself for cleaning purposes.
Solution Approach 2:
The twist fastener acts as an intermediary component between the collar and the sealing element. It provides a mechanical means to secure and release the sealing element without applying deformation forces to it. The threaded connection of the twist fastener to the collar and its engagement with the sealing element creates a controlled attachment mechanism that preserves the sealing element's integrity.
2Ease of manufacture
If a snap-fit attachment is used to secure the sealing element, then ease of assembly is improved, but exceptional force is required to pry apart the pieces for cleaning or removal
Solution Approach 1:
The snap-fit mechanical attachment system is replaced with a threaded fastening system using the twist fastener. Instead of relying on elastic deformation and geometric interlocking that require prying forces for disassembly, the invention uses a screw-thread mechanism that converts rotational motion into linear motion, allowing gentle and controlled removal of the sealing element by simply unscrewing the fastener.
3Productivity
If internal channels are provided in the sealing element for fluid flow, then fluid flow capability is improved, but dirt and germs are trapped along internal surfaces making cleaning difficult and creating hygiene risks
Solution Approach 1:
The fluid flow channels are extracted from the sealing element and relocated to the collar component. The collar contains the internal channels and apertures that guide fluid flow, while the sealing element maintains its simple, smooth, external surface geometry. This extraction eliminates the trapping of dirt and germs within the sealing element's structure while preserving the necessary fluid flow capabilities through the collar's channel system.
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 ensures a secure, easy-to-clean, and hygienic non-spill seal that allows for efficient fluid flow with reduced energy expenditure, maintaining effectiveness even when the container is tilted or shaken, and allows for easy addition of contents without damaging the sealing element.
Implementation Method 1
suction by the mouth and compression by a person's lip causes the sealing element to separate from the collar and allow liquid to flow
Implementation Method 2
The sealing element is made from a soft, elastic, durable material, such as silicone
Implementation Method 3
When suction is not applied, the short distances between the castellations form capillary seals trapping liquid between each cube shaped castellation sealing the liquid flow paths
Data Source
AI summary
A non-spill drinking container lid device comprising a collar, a sealing element, and a twist fastener that may be assembled and then attached as a lid device to a drinking container. When a person wants to drink from the container, suction by the mouth and compression by a person's lip causes the sealing element to separate from the collar and allow liquid to flow. The twist fastener provides for adding contents to the container without removing the sealing element or collar.