Rotary Centre Component Mechanism for Hygienic Pouring Cap Operation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing lids for food receptacles require manual operation of pouring caps, which can be unhygienic and inconvenient, especially when dealing with sticky foods.
Innovation Solution
A lid design featuring a swiveling pouring cap hinged in a ring component, operated by rotating a centre component with elastic elements, allowing for easy and hygienic manipulation without direct contact with the pouring cap.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If manual operation of pouring cap is used, then device complexity is reduced, but ease of operation deteriorates and hygiene is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The centre component serves as an intermediary mechanism that transfers rotational motion to the pouring cap. When the centre component rotates, its protrusion engages with the pouring cap's lever arm, causing the cap to swivel open or closed without requiring direct manual contact with the cap itself.
Solution Approach 2:
The elastic element provides self-service by automatically returning the pouring cap to its closed position after being opened. The spring stores energy when the cap is opened and releases it to close the cap, eliminating the need for a separate closing action and simplifying user interaction.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If manual contact with pouring cap is required, then device complexity is reduced, but hygiene deteriorates due to contact with food remainders
Solution Approach 1:
The centre component acts as a hygienic intermediary that allows users to operate the pouring cap without touching it directly. Users rotate the centre component, which then mechanically actuates the pouring cap through its protrusion, keeping hands away from potential food contaminants on the cap surface.
Solution Approach 2:
The operating mechanism is segmented into distinct functional zones: the centre component for user interaction, the protrusion for force transmission, and the pouring cap for its sealing function. This segmentation allows the cap to remain separate from direct user contact while still being controllable.
3Ease of operation
If large angle rotation of centre component is required, then ease of operation deteriorates, but device complexity is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The mechanism dynamically adapts its motion requirements based on operational state. The protrusion engages with the lever arm at optimal points during rotation, allowing the centre component to rotate through a reduced angle while still achieving full opening and closing of the pouring cap, making operation more convenient.
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
Facilitates convenient and hygienic operation of the pouring cap by rotating the centre component, reducing the need for large angle rotations and allowing the lid to be easily closed or opened without manual contact with the cap.
Implementation Method 1
An elastic element, which may in particular comprise at least one torsion spring and or at least one rubber element, for example, urges the pouring cap to its first swivel position
Data Source
Figure 1a~2
Figure 3a~3b
AI summary
Disclosed is a lid 100 for a food receptacle 200, the lid comprising a ring component 110 with a pouring 111, a swivelling pouring cap 130 hinged in the ring component 110 so as to form a lever, and an elastic element 140 urging the pouring cap 130 towards a first swivel position. The lid 100 further comprises a centre component 120 closing or at least configured to close an inner space at least partially surrounded by the ring component 110 while being rotatable about a designated rotation axis X. By rotation of the centre component, the pouring cap 130 is swivelled so as to selectively close or release the pouring 111. Further disclosed are a container 10 comprising a food receptacle 200 and a lid 100, and a kitchen appliance comprising a base and such container.