Pre-filled drinking straw with a cross-slit valve closure on both ends
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing pre-filled straw designs require separate production and assembly of straws and valves, leading to additional assembly steps and risks of closure mechanisms falling out during use.
Innovation Solution
A pre-filled straw design with cross-slit valve closures integrated into a one-piece polymer straw body, allowing for easier production through multi-component injection molding and ensuring valves are securely attached, preventing loss during use.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If separate valves and filters are added to the straw, then the valve function is improved, but the device complexity increases due to multiple assembly steps
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the valve and filter functions directly into the straw body through integral formation. The straw body is molded with built-in valve mechanisms and filter structures, eliminating the need for separate valve and filter components. This merging approach maintains reliable valve function while significantly reducing device complexity and assembly steps.
Solution Approach 2:
The straw body is designed to perform multiple functions simultaneously: it serves as the structural container, the valve mechanism, and the filter element. The integral design allows the single straw body to fulfill all these roles without requiring separate specialized components, thereby reducing assembly complexity while maintaining functional reliability.
2Reliability
If separate closure mechanisms are inserted into the straw, then the closure function is improved, but the risk of closure falling out increases
Solution Approach 1:
The closure mechanism is merged with the straw body through integral formation. The closure structures are molded as inherent parts of the straw body rather than being inserted as separate components. This eliminates the risk of closure falling out while maintaining effective closure function throughout the product lifecycle.
3Reliability
If multiple separate parts are assembled, then the valve functionality is improved, but the manufacturing time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The valve functionality is integrated into the straw body through a single integral molding process. Instead of assembling separate valve components, the entire straw including valve mechanisms is formed in one manufacturing step. This dramatically reduces manufacturing time while maintaining full valve functionality through the built-in design.
Solution Approach 2:
The valve structures are pre-formed as integral parts of the straw body during the initial molding process. This preliminary formation of valve functionality eliminates the need for subsequent assembly operations, thereby reducing manufacturing time while ensuring proper valve function is built into the product from the start.
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
This design simplifies production, reduces assembly steps, and prevents closure mechanisms from falling out, enhancing user experience and manufacturing efficiency by ensuring secure and reliable operation.
Implementation Method 1
The valves 2, 3 are initially in a closed position, but when suction in the direction of the arrow 4 is applied, both of them are opened and allow the liquid to enter the straw. When suction is stopped, both valves 2, 3 return to a closed position.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~3
Figure 4
AI summary
The invention is characterized in that the straw body (1) is consisting of two or more segments, which are attached together with connection (5) and that the straw body (1) on its both ends has a cross-slit valve (2, 3) closure and the valves (2, 3) and the straw body (1) are integrated by molecular adhesion. The inlet and outlet valves (2, 3) are of a slit type. The straw body (1) is preferably made of a thermoplastic material and the valves (2, 3) are preferably made of elastomer material. The edge of the straw body (1) is shaped to enable larger surface of the connection between the straw body (1) and the valve (2, 3). The said shape is preferably a groove (8). On the wall on the end of the straw body (1) a tongue-shaped groove (9) is formed on the surface side.