Press-Button Container Lid to Reduce Seal Wear and Spill Risk
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing container lids face issues such as seal deterioration leading to spillage, complexity in manufacture, and risk of hot liquids or corrosive materials coming into contact with users' skin during opening or closing, especially when using twist-based closure mechanisms.
Innovation Solution
A container lid assembly with a press button actuator that moves a valve member between open and closed positions, featuring a biasing member to maintain the closed position and a lock mechanism for simple single- or double-press operation, minimizing wear on seals and keeping the actuator separate from the outlet to prevent spills.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a twist opening mechanism is used, then the outlet can be opened and closed, but the seal deteriorates over time causing spillage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the twist-based mechanical closure system with a push-button actuator that moves linearly. This substitution eliminates the rotational twisting action that causes seal deterioration, while maintaining the ability to open and close the outlet reliably.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of rotating the seal to open/close the outlet, the invention inverts the mechanism by using a push-button that moves perpendicular to the seal surface. The seal remains stationary while the actuator pushes it open or allows it to close, preventing wear from rotational friction.
2Ease of operation
If the closure mechanism is associated closely with the outlet, then the outlet can be controlled, but hot liquid may spill onto the user's fingers
Solution Approach 1:
The actuator is extracted from the immediate outlet area and positioned at a distance from the spout. This separation allows the user to operate the closure mechanism without their fingers being in the path of potentially spilling hot liquid, while the valve member remains connected to control the outlet.
Solution Approach 2:
The valve member acts as an intermediary between the actuator and the outlet. The actuator controls the valve, which in turn controls the outlet, creating a mechanical linkage that separates the user's finger (actuator) from the hot liquid path (outlet).
3Ease of operation
If a push button actuator is used, then the operation is simplified, but a lock mechanism is required to control single or double press positions
Solution Approach 1:
The lock mechanism uses dynamic elements including a spring that can be compressed and a movable lock bar that shifts positions. The spring provides the restoring force for single-press operation, while the movable lock bar engages with different positions on the actuator to enable both single-press and double-press modes.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the operational parameter by allowing the user to select between single-press and double-press modes. The lock mechanism adapts its behavior based on the number of presses, using the spring compression state and lock bar position to determine whether to return to closed position or remain open.
4Productivity
If the seal is moved frequently to open and close, then the outlet can be accessed, but the seal deteriorates causing spillage
Solution Approach 1:
The seal is extracted from the actuator mechanism and positioned as a separate, stationary component. The actuator moves independently without carrying the seal, reducing the number of times the seal must be moved and repositioned during operation.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of moving the seal with the actuator to open/close the outlet, the invention inverts the approach by keeping the seal stationary and moving the actuator body. The seal is pushed open by the actuator but remains fixed in position, eliminating wear from repeated seal movement.
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
The solution provides a reliable, spill-proof, and easy-to-use lid that can be operated with minimal effort, reducing the risk of spills and exposure to hot or corrosive materials, while maintaining a secure seal and allowing for pressure equalization during liquid removal.
Implementation Method 1
the biasing member biases the actuator to the extended closed position and the actuator is pressed against the bias of the biasing means
Data Source
AI summary
A container lid assembly is provided with a press button opening capability. The lid assembly includes a lid having a first outlet opening and a second air opening. A valve member in the lid has a press button actuator and is moveable between a pushed down open position and a pulled up closed position. A biasing member biases the actuator to an extended closed position and the actuator is pressed against the bias of the biasing member. A lock assembly controls movement of the actuator such that one press of the actuator causes the actuator to adopt one of the open or closed positions and a second press of the actuator causes the actuator to adopt the other of the open or closed positions.