Reclosable Drink-Through Lid With Snap-Action Flexible Closure
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing drink-through lids for disposable beverage containers are constrained by the limitations in providing a flexible structure that can be transitioned from a convex shape to a concave shape to open the drink opening of a beverage container lid, which do not effectively prevent liquid escape during transport and require complex mechanisms for resealing.
Innovation Solution
A drink-through lid that includes a flexible structure that includes a lever located at an edge of the flexible structure that can be transitioned from an upward, drink outlet closed position to a downward, drink outlet open position, and vice versa, using a lever located at an inward edge of the flexible structure, with hinges connecting the flexible structure to the stationary portions of the lid along a single, common inclined plane.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a flexible structure is transitioned from convex to concave shape to open the drink opening, then the drink opening can be opened easily, but the structure becomes complex and difficult to manufacture
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a flexible membrane structure that can transition between convex and concave shapes to open and close the drink opening. This flexible shell approach allows the lid to maintain structural integrity while enabling easy opening through shape transformation, resolving the contradiction between operational ease and structural complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The flexible structure is designed to dynamically change its shape from convex to concave and vice versa. This dynamic capability allows the same structure to serve multiple functions (opening and closing) without requiring separate mechanical components, thereby reducing overall device complexity while maintaining ease of operation
2Reliability
If a stopper or plug is used to seal the drink outlet, then liquid escape is prevented during transport, but drinking requires removal of the stopper or plug
Solution Approach 1:
The flexible membrane structure automatically seals the drink outlet when in the convex position and automatically opens when transitioned to concave shape. This self-service mechanism eliminates the need for separate stoppers or plugs, providing reliable sealing during transport while maintaining drinking convenience through simple shape transformation
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of using a separate sealing component that must be removed, the invention inverts the approach by making the membrane itself the sealing mechanism. The membrane's shape transformation (from convex to concave) directly controls the sealing and opening functions, eliminating the need for separate stopper removal actions
3Reliability
If the flexible structure extends far downward into the container, then the drink opening can be effectively controlled, but the overall lid height becomes too tall
Solution Approach 1:
The flexible membrane is positioned and oriented to utilize the radial and vertical space within the lid structure rather than extending downward into the container. By changing the dimensional approach from vertical extension to radial positioning, the membrane effectively controls the drink outlet without increasing overall lid height
Solution Approach 2:
The flexible membrane structure is nested within the lid's internal geometry, utilizing the available space between the lid base and the rim. This nesting approach allows the membrane to extend sufficiently to control the drink outlet while remaining contained within the lid's overall height constraints
4Stability of the object's composition
If multiple hinges are used to connect the flexible structure, then the structure can be securely attached, but manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple hinge connections are merged into a single integrated hinge mechanism that attaches the flexible membrane to the lid base. This consolidation reduces the number of separate hinge components and their associated alignment requirements, maintaining secure attachment while lowering manufacturing precision demands
Solution Approach 2:
The hinge structure is designed to perform multiple functions simultaneously: providing rotational movement for membrane transformation, maintaining secure attachment, and accommodating manufacturing tolerances. This multi-functional hinge reduces the need for multiple precision-aligned components
Data Source
AI summary
A drink-through type lid for a cup. The lid is configured for sealing a cup containing liquid such as coffee, and includes a rim, a cover, and a flexible closure structure. The flexible closure structure includes multiple panels which are hinged from stationary portions of the lid. In an embodiment a stiff frame structure is provided. The hinges are on a common inclined plane P sloping downward toward a drink outlet. A lever is used to manipulate the flexible structure between a drink outlet open position and a drink outlet closed position. The lever folds downward to avoid interference with a user's nose, and the cover includes a sump portion which also provides additional clearance for a user's nose. The flexible structure may be provided with snap action which enables multiple openings and closings of the drink opening.