Lid assembly operable with one press action mechanism and container comprising the same
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional beverage container lids require two steps and both hands to open and close the drink orifice, making them cumbersome and inconvenient to operate.
Innovation Solution
A lid assembly with an actuator mechanism that synchronously actuates a cap and seal assembly, allowing the drink orifice to be opened and closed with a single press, utilizing a ballpoint pen ratchet mechanism for easy one-handed operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If conventional lid mechanisms are used with separate actuator and shield, then the lid can close the drink orifice, but the operation requires two steps and both hands making it cumbersome
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the actuator mechanism and shield into a single integrated cap assembly. The cap serves dual functions: it acts as the shield covering the drink orifice and simultaneously houses the actuator mechanism that controls the seal assembly. This integration eliminates the need for separate components and reduces the number of operational steps required to open or close the beverage container.
Solution Approach 2:
The cap is designed as a multi-functional component that performs multiple roles: (1) shielding the drink orifice when in the covering position, (2) housing the actuator mechanism, and (3) transmitting actuation force to the seal assembly. This universal design allows a single component to replace what were previously separate elements, simplifying both the device structure and user interaction.
2Reliability
If locking means are added to prevent inadvertent opening, then reliability improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanism is integrated within the cap assembly rather than being a separate component. The cam mechanism and locking surfaces are formed as part of the cap structure, allowing the locking function to be achieved without adding external complexity to the overall device architecture.
3Ease of operation
If a single press mechanism is implemented, then ease of operation improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The single press mechanism utilizes the cap itself as the actuator housing, merging the shielding function and actuation function into one component. This integration allows the user to operate the seal assembly with a simple press on the cap without requiring separate actuators or complex transmission mechanisms.
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention provides a lid assembly for use in a beverage container, having a cap, a seal assembly configured to sealably close at least one drink orifice, and an actuator assembly. The actuator assembly is in operative connection with the cap and the seal assembly, and configured to synchronously actuate the cap to rotate and actuate the seal assembly to displace longitudinally, so as to open the drink orifice for dispensing and close the drink orifice via a single press action. The invention also relates to a beverage container comprising such a lid assembly.