Plug Member Cover Part Reduces Liquid Splashing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional plug members for liquid inlets are prone to splashing liquid, leading to contamination and loss, and are difficult to handle due to linkage issues, resulting in usability and cost-related problems.
Innovation Solution
The design includes a plug member with a tubular sealing part and a cover part that reduces splashing by acting as a barrier, and a mounting structure that prevents mistaken placement and loss, featuring a plug member-placing structure and mounting structure configuration to enhance usability and reduce contamination risks.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the plug member is pulled out abruptly along the center axis, then the operation is simple and quick, but the liquid adhering to the sealing part is likely to be splashed around
Solution Approach 1:
The grip portion is extended in a direction intersecting with the mounting direction (center axis), allowing the user to pull the plug member out along an angled path rather than directly along the center axis. This dimensional change in the pulling direction reduces liquid splashing while maintaining operational simplicity
2Ease of operation
If two plug members are linked by a linkage member, then the plug members can be handled together, but one plug member is likely to be mistakenly mounted to the other liquid inlet
Solution Approach 1:
The linkage member is removed from the design, and instead each plug member is equipped with an individual grip portion. This extraction of the linkage function allows each plug member to be handled independently, eliminating the risk of mistaken mounting while still providing easy handling through the extended grip portions
3Ease of operation
If the plug member is pulled out of the liquid inlet, then the plug member can be removed for refilling, but the liquid may adhere to the mounting surface and stain it
Solution Approach 1:
The grip portion extends in a direction intersecting with the mounting direction, allowing the plug member to be pulled out at an angle. This angular extraction path directs liquid away from the mounting surface, preventing stains while maintaining ease of removal for refilling operations
Data Source
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AI summary
There is provided a plug member that is detachably mounted to a liquid inlet to close the liquid inlet. The plug member comprises a sealing part configured to close the liquid inlet, such that at least part of the sealing part is inserted in the liquid inlet; and a cover part arranged around at least part of circumference of the sealing part.