Openable Flask Closure for Leak-Proof Cleaning Access
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Solution Overview
Problem
Beverage containers with small openings and necks make it difficult to access and clean the interior, limiting effective sanitation.
Innovation Solution
A beverage container design featuring a selectively openable upper body portion that forms a leak-proof seal when locked, allowing full access to the interior compartment for easier cleaning, including a hingedly coupled cap and seal system for secure closure and efficient washing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the beverage container has a small opening and narrow neck, then the container maintains a compact and portable form, but the interior becomes difficult to access and clean
Solution Approach 1:
The container is divided into two main segments: a lower body portion and an upper body portion that can be separated. The upper body portion includes a removable panel that can be detached from the lower body, creating a large opening for easy access to the interior compartment for cleaning purposes.
Solution Approach 2:
The panel is designed to be selectively openable rather than fixed. It can be locked in a closed position to maintain the container's compact form and opened or removed entirely to provide full access for cleaning, allowing the structure to adapt between two states.
2Ease of operation
If the upper body portion is made openable for cleaning access, then interior cleaning becomes easier, but the leak-proof sealing capability may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
A locking mechanism is provided that allows the upper body portion to be securely locked to the lower body portion before use, ensuring a leak-proof seal. The locking tabs engage with corresponding recesses to maintain the sealed state during normal operation.
Solution Approach 2:
A flexible seal member or gasket is positioned between the upper and lower body portions to create a water-tight barrier. The flexible material deforms to fill gaps and ensure complete sealing when the portions are assembled and locked together.
3Reliability
If a locking mechanism is added to secure the upper body portion, then leak-proof sealing is achieved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanism is designed as a simple self-locking system where the upper body portion locks to the lower body portion through integrated locking tabs and recesses without requiring additional components or complex operations. The design leverages the natural assembly process to achieve locking.
Data Source
AI summary
A beverage container or flask that includes a lower body portion and a selectively openable upper body portion. The upper body portion is configured to include a fastener that allows a user to selectively lock the panel in place by pivoting the upper body portion relative to the remainder of the flask. When the openable upper body portion is locked in place on the remainder of the flask, the upper body portion provides a leak proof seal such that a liquid may be contained in the flask without escaping. When the openable upper body portion is opened, access to an interior volume or compartment of the flask is provided, which facilitates simplified and more effective cleaning of the flask.