Pivoting Cap Assembly for Single-Handed Drink Container Refilling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing drink containers require two-handed operation and dexterity to refill due to the need to remove and reattach the cap assembly, which is cumbersome, especially in situations where hands are numb or experiencing reduced dexterity.
Innovation Solution
A cap assembly with a pivotally coupled cover portion that transitions between closed and open configurations, allowing single-handed refilling by channeling liquid through a base opening or a drink outlet, and optionally including a sealing mechanism to prevent leakage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the cap assembly is removed and reattached to refill the liquid vessel, then the liquid vessel can be refilled, but the operation requires two hands and reduced dexterity
Solution Approach 1:
The cap assembly is segmented into a base portion and a cover portion that can move independently. The cover portion can be opened to expose the base opening for refilling while the base portion remains attached to the liquid vessel, eliminating the need to remove the entire cap assembly.
Solution Approach 2:
The cover portion is made dynamic through a hinge connection, allowing it to transition between closed and open configurations. This dynamic structure enables the cover to be opened for refilling and closed for sealing without removing the base portion from the liquid vessel.
2Productivity
If the cap assembly is removed to refill the liquid vessel, then refilling is possible, but time is consumed in removal and reattachment
Solution Approach 1:
The cover portion is pre-configured with a hinge connection that allows rapid opening and closing. This preliminary structural arrangement enables quick access to the base opening for refilling without the time-consuming process of removing and reattaching the entire cap assembly.
3Reliability
If the cover portion restricts liquid flow through the base opening, then controlled dispensing is achieved, but refilling flexibility is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The cover portion's dynamic configuration allows it to switch between restricting liquid flow (when closed) and permitting refilling (when open). The hinge mechanism enables the cover to be positioned to either block or expose the base opening, providing both flow control and refilling flexibility.
Data Source
AI summary
Cap assemblies and drink containers including the same. The cap assemblies include a base portion that sealingly mates with a neck of a liquid vessel and includes a base opening, a cover portion including a drink outlet and pivotally coupled to the base portion to selectively transition the cover portion between closed and open configurations. When the cover portion is in the closed configuration with the cap assembly coupled to the liquid vessel, the cover portion channels liquid through the base opening to the drink outlet and restricts liquid from being dispensed from the cap assembly other than through the drink outlet. When the cover portion is in the open configuration with the cap assembly coupled to the liquid vessel, the cover portion is pivoted away from the base portion and permits liquid to be dispensed from the cap assembly through the base opening without passing through the drink outlet.