Rotatable Lid Assembly with Funnel Base for Controlled Pouring

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional lid assemblies for containers are difficult and slow to open, and they do not effectively direct the flow or volume of material being poured, leading to material buildup on the lid, which can cause functional issues.

Innovation Solution

A lid assembly with a rotatable cover and a base that includes a bridge wall to separate sections, a funnel-shaped surface to direct material, and pins that allow easy rotation and self-cleaning, ensuring easy access and preventing material from escaping or accumulating.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If conventional lids are used, then the container can be sealed, but the lid is difficult and slow to open

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of opening lidVSAvoidtime to open lid

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The lid transitions from a static conventional design to a dynamic system with a rotatable cover that can be quickly opened by rotating a limited portion of the lid, enabling fast access without unscrewing the entire container

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Ease of operation

If conventional lids are used, then the container can be sealed, but the user cannot direct the flow or volume of material being poured

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecontrol of material flowVSAvoidlid structure complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The lid is segmented into a base and a rotatable cover, where the cover can be rotated to different positions (fully open, partially open, closed) to control the amount of material dispensed, providing flow control without complex mechanisms

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

3Reliability

If conventional lids are used, then the container can be sealed, but material spills onto the lid and accumulates causing functional issues

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvelid functionalityVSAvoidmaterial waste on lid

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The lid structure includes a bridge wall that automatically directs spilled material back into the container, creating a self-cleaning mechanism that prevents material accumulation and maintains functionality without user intervention

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

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 lid assembly allows for easy and controlled pouring while preventing material buildup, ensuring efficient use and maintaining the lid's functionality by directing spilled material back into the container.

Implementation Method 1

The third surface can form a funnel to direct material towards the hole of the base

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectGravity: Gravitation

Implementation Method 2

the first and second surfaces can cooperate to form a bridge wall that separates a front section of the base from rear section of the base

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPhysical barrier: Physical Containment

Data Source

PatentUS8936170B2Container and lid assembly

Publication Date: 2015.01.20 AMERICAN SUGAR REFINING COMPANY

AI summary

A container and lid assembly are provided. The lid assembly has a base configured to engage an opening of the container. A hole in the base allows access to an interior chamber of the container. A surface extends upwardly and outwardly from the hole to act as a funnel to direct material towards the hole. A cover is rotatably coupled to the base to allow selective access to the hole.