Closing structure for a refillable vessel and drinking device
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing drinking devices for aromatized beverages require multiple steps to activate and deactivate the retronasal perception of aroma substances, making them inconvenient to use, and there is a need for a more user-friendly solution that allows for the retronasal perception of aromas without undesired additives.
Innovation Solution
A closing structure with a movable element and a fixed element, featuring a spout section and stop means, allows for easy rotation between operational and storing positions, enabling convenient attachment and detachment of a replaceable aroma container for retronasal aroma perception, with fluid and air communication pathways designed to prevent leakage and enhance aroma dispersion.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If multiple steps are required to activate and deactivate the aroma container in existing drinking devices, then the aroma perception function can be controlled, but the ease of operation deteriorates and user convenience is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the spout and aroma container into a single integrated closing structure. The spout can rotate between a storing position (where it covers the aroma container opening) and an operational position (where it allows aroma release). This merging eliminates the need for separate activation mechanisms while maintaining controlled aroma perception functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The spout is designed to be rotatable relative to the bottle opening, transitioning between static storing position and operational position. This dynamic element allows simple user interaction (rotation) to switch between aroma perception modes without complex mechanical systems or multiple operational steps.
2Reliability
If a replaceable aroma container is used for retronasal aroma perception, then the aroma substance can be delivered effectively, but the device complexity increases due to attachment and detachment mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
The closing structure serves multiple functions: it acts as a cap for the bottle, holds the replaceable aroma container, provides the spout for drinking, and controls aroma release. The integration of these functions into a single structure reduces overall device complexity while ensuring reliable aroma delivery through the dedicated aroma container interface.
3Ease of operation
If the aroma container is activated during drinking, then retronasal aroma perception is achieved, but the risk of leakage increases
Solution Approach 1:
The spout in storing position preliminarily covers the aroma container opening, preventing accidental leakage or premature aroma release. When the user rotates the spout to the operational position, the covering action is intentionally reversed to allow controlled aroma delivery, thus preventing harmful leakage while enabling aroma perception.
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 closing structure simplifies the use of aroma containers by allowing one-handed operation, ensures secure attachment and detachment, and prevents leakage, while effectively dispersing aromatized air within the drinking liquid for enhanced taste perception.
Implementation Method 1
Such narrowed section locally speeds up the flow of drinking liquid flowing through the fluid guiding duct and generates a venturi effect which promotes the sucking in of air through the air duct into the fluid guiding duct.
Data Source
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AI summary
A closing structure (10) attachable to and detachable from a refillable vessel (20) for containing a liquid comprises a drinking straw (12) with an interior duct, a first end and a second end in a longitudinal direction of the drinking straw, an attachment structure (32) for attaching a replaceable aroma container (30), the aroma container having an interior aroma chamber and an air inlet opening (42) and an air outlet opening (40), a fixed element (46) which comprises an air duct (52) and a fluid guiding duct (50) in fluid communication with the interior duct (14) of the drinking straw (12). The closing structure comprises a movable element (48) attached to the fixed element (46) and rotationally movable relative to the fixed element. The movable element (48) comprising a spout section (54) and at least one stop means (78) for restricting the relative movement of the movable element (48) relative to the fixed element (46) such that the movable element is rotationally movable relative to the fixed element between a storing position and an operational position.