Pivoting Container Lid Mechanism for Leak-Proof One-Handed Use
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional container lids are often difficult to use, especially for users with limited agility or dexterity, and may not provide a secure fluid-tight seal, leading to leaks during activities or when used in various environments, such as exercising or wearing gloves.
Innovation Solution
A lid design featuring a pivotally connected activator, connecting member, and fluid-flow member that allows for easy attachment and detachment, providing a fluid-tight seal and allowing for the lid to be opened and closed without direct contact, facilitating use with one hand, even when hands are unclean or gloved, and enabling easy filling and cleaning.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional lids are designed to be fluid-tight, then leakage prevention is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The lid is divided into multiple functional segments: a body portion with sealing elements, an activator mechanism, and a flow control member. This segmentation allows the sealing function to be independent from the opening/closing operation, maintaining fluid-tight reliability while improving ease of operation through the activator mechanism that enables one-handed operation without direct contact with the seal area.
Solution Approach 2:
The activator mechanism serves as an intermediary between the user and the lid's sealing components. Users interact with the activator (a button or lever) rather than directly manipulating the seal or threads, which maintains the integrity of the fluid-tight seal while providing easy operation even when hands are unclean or gloved.
2Reliability
If conventional lids are designed for secure closure, then leakage prevention is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The lid incorporates a dynamic activator mechanism that transitions between locked and unlocked states. The flow control member can be dynamically positioned to either block or allow fluid flow. This dynamic design maintains secure closure during normal use while enabling quick, easy opening through the activator without requiring complex unscrewing or manipulation.
Solution Approach 2:
The lid's activator mechanism is designed to be self-operating through simple user input. A slight press or movement of the activator automatically triggers the opening or closing sequence, eliminating the need for complex manual operations. The mechanism serves itself by converting minimal user input into complete lid operation while maintaining the leak-proof seal.
3Reliability
If conventional lids have multiple components for sealing, then fluid-tight seal is improved, but device complexity deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple sealing functions are merged into integrated components within the lid body. The sealing elements, flow control member, and activator mechanism are combined in a unified structure rather than being separate parts. This merging maintains the fluid-tight seal reliability while reducing the number of discrete components that would increase device complexity and cleaning difficulty.
4Reliability
If conventional lids are designed for secure closure, then leakage prevention is improved, but ease of manufacture deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The lid design uses universal, multi-functional components that can be manufactured using standard processes. The activator mechanism, sealing elements, and flow control member are designed to be produced through common molding or machining techniques rather than requiring specialized manufacturing steps. This universality maintains the leak-proof seal while improving ease of manufacture through standardized production methods.
Data Source
AI summary
A lid may be sized and configured to be attached to a container, and the lid may include an activator, a fluid-flow member, and a connecting member. The activator, the fluid-flow member and the connecting member may be pivotally connected. The activator, the fluid-flow member, and the connecting member may be movable between open and closed positions. When the activator, the fluid-flow member, and the connecting member are in the closed position, fluid may be prevented from exiting the container. When the activator, the fluid-flow member, and the connecting member are in the open position, fluid may exit the container through a fluid passageway.