Pitcher Lid Venting Design to Prevent Splashing During Door Operations
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing pitcher lids with direct venting to the ambient atmosphere allow contents to splash out when the door is opened and closed, leading to unwanted spills and user dissatisfaction.
Innovation Solution
A pitcher assembly with a lid featuring a skirt, gasket, and a vent located between the gasket and the bottom surface, which allows air intake during pouring without splashing by forming an air flow channel that maintains a seal and introduces ambient air into the pitcher volume.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the lid is directly vented to the ambient atmosphere, then air can be introduced to the pitcher volume to maintain uniform flow during pouring, but contents of the pitcher can splash out when the door is opened and closed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary air flow channel formed by the skirt, which mediates between the ambient atmosphere and the pitcher volume. This channel allows air to enter the pitcher during pouring while preventing direct atmospheric contact that causes splashing during door operations. The skirt acts as a buffer zone that controls air intake timing and prevents harmful splashing effects.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If a lid seal is provided to prevent splashing, then contents are contained during door operations, but air cannot be introduced to maintain uniform pouring flow
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a dynamic sealing approach where the skirt provides a seal during door operations to prevent splashing, but creates an open air flow channel during pouring operations to allow uniform flow. The system transitions between sealed and open states based on operational conditions, with the air intake passage enabling air entry when the pitcher is tilted for pouring while maintaining containment during vertical door operations.
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
Prevents contents from splashing out while ensuring a uniform flow during pouring by maintaining a seal and introducing ambient air, enhancing user satisfaction and reducing spills.
Implementation Method 1
a vent defined in the skirt at a location between the bottom surface of the top wall and the gasket
Data Source
AI summary
An autofill pitcher assembly having hidden venting is provided. The assembly includes a pitcher wall defining an opening at a top edge of the pitcher and a lid removably received in the opening. The lid includes a top wall, a skirt extending from a bottom surface of the top wall, a gasket disposed on the skirt, and a vent formed in the skirt between the gasket and the bottom surface of the top wall.