Three-Position Plug Lid With Cam Seal for Fast Leak-Proof Removal
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing drink container lids with sealing mechanisms require significant effort and time to attach or remove, and often fail to provide a fluid-tight seal when used with containers of varying interior diameters, limiting their usability.
Innovation Solution
A three-position plug lid design with a flexible tubular seal and cam mechanism that allows for secure retention, easy drinking, and simple removal without the need for reinsertion, using a handle to rotate cams that compress or expand the seal to maintain a fluid-tight seal or facilitate removal.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a threadably attached lid is used, then a fluid-tight seal can be achieved, but the time and effort required to attach or remove the lid increases
Solution Approach 1:
The sealing function is segmented from the lid body and placed in a reusable seal element that can be independently replaced or adjusted, allowing the lid mechanism to remain simple while maintaining reliable sealing
Solution Approach 2:
The lid transitions from static threaded attachment to dynamic snap-fit engagement with multiple retention positions, enabling quick attachment and removal while maintaining seal integrity through elastic deformation of the seal element
2Loss of time
If a plug lid design is used for easy removal, then the time to remove the lid is reduced, but the ability to provide a fluid-tight seal with varying container diameters deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The seal element's diameter and cross-sectional dimensions are made variable through elastic deformation controlled by the cam mechanism, allowing the seal to adapt to different container interior diameters while maintaining a fluid-tight seal
Solution Approach 2:
The seal element is made from elastic material that can deform to conform to the container's interior surface, providing a reliable seal across varying diameters without requiring precise dimensional matching
3Ease of operation
If the lid is fully removed from the container, then drinking access is maximized, but the lid must be reinserted to maintain the seal
Solution Approach 1:
The seal element is pre-compressed and held in a ready-to-seal state within the lid structure, so that when the lid is reinserted or positioned, the seal is immediately effective without requiring additional assembly or adjustment actions
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
Enables secure retention of the lid during use while allowing easy access for drinking and removal without reinsertion, providing a reliable fluid-tight seal across varying container diameters, enhancing user convenience and functionality.
Implementation Method 1
using a handle to rotate cams that compress or expand the seal to maintain a fluid-tight seal or facilitate removal
Implementation Method 2
A three-position plug lid design with a flexible tubular seal and cam mechanism that allows for secure retention, easy drinking, and simple removal without the need for reinsertion
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 1A~1B
Figure 1C
AI summary
A drink container (10, 200) and three position plug lid (14, 214) for use therewith. The lid (14, 214) includes a tubular seal (44) with a flexible perimeter seal (286) wall (252, 254) attached between upper and lower seal (286) carriers, a lifter member (82) attached to the lower seal carrier (42) and a cam member (90) to control movement of the lower seal carrier (42) relative to the upper seal carrier (40) and thereby laterally flex and axially move the perimeter seal (286) wall (252, 254) and move the lid (14, 214) between closed and opened positions where the lid (14, 214) is retained within the drink container (10, 200) against removal, and a removal position permitting removal of the lid (14, 214) for washing the lid (14, 214) and drink container (10, 200).