Closure and lid and method of forming closure and lid
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing drinkware lids lack effective mechanisms for selectively closing and opening while preventing spills, and often require complex installation and maintenance, which can lead to user error and inefficiency.
Innovation Solution
A closable lid assembly featuring a movable slider with elastic legs and a central post, which can lock in both open and closed positions, and is easily removable for cleaning, utilizing guide channels and detents for secure positioning and air vents for pouring, with optional magnetic locking for enhanced sealing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a movable slider mechanism is added to enable selective opening and closing, then the functionality and spill prevention capability are improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The lid assembly is divided into separate functional components: a lid body, a movable slider, elastic legs with detents, and guide channels. Each component performs a specific function, allowing the complex opening/closing mechanism to be broken down into simple, manageable parts that are easy to manufacture and assemble
Solution Approach 2:
The slider is designed to be movable rather than fixed, allowing it to transition between closed and open positions. The elastic legs provide dynamic locking capability through detents that engage at specific positions, enabling the lid to maintain both open and closed states securely
2Reliability
If a locking mechanism with detents and guide channels is implemented, then the reliability of maintaining open and closed positions is improved, but the manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The elastic legs are designed with specific material properties and geometric parameters that allow them to flex and engage with detents. The elasticity and dimensional parameters are optimized to provide reliable locking without requiring extremely tight manufacturing tolerances on the guide channels and detent features
3Ease of operation
If the slider is made removable from the lid, then the ease of cleaning is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The slider is designed as a separate, removable component from the lid body, allowing users to easily detach and clean each part independently. This segmentation enables thorough cleaning of areas that would be difficult to reach if the slider were permanently attached
Solution Approach 2:
The removable slider design serves multiple functions: it enables selective opening/closing, provides a locking mechanism for position stability, and allows for easy cleaning and maintenance. This multi-functionality is achieved through a single integrated component design
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 user-friendly, secure, and efficient mechanism for controlling the opening and closing of drinkware lids, preventing spills while allowing easy access and cleaning, and maintaining the lid in place during use.
Implementation Method 1
The first leg and the second leg can be configured to extend through the second opening and can be configured to resiliently engage the first guide and the second guide
Implementation Method 2
The lid and the slider may include a series of magnets for locking the slider in both the closed position and in the opened position
Data Source
AI summary
An example lid assembly can include a lid and a slider. The lid can include a wall defining a recess. The slider can be configured to slide in the recess and can be configured to move between a closed position where the slider covers the opening to aid in preventing spilling of contents of the container and an opened position where the slider uncovers the opening such that the contents of the container can be consumed. The slider can be configured to be removable from the lid and can be replaced back on the lid. Additionally, the slider can be configured to lock into place on the recess in both the closed position and the opened position.