Rotating Recloseable Cup Lid Structure for Leak-Proof Stability

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional reclosable lids for containers fail to balance liquid-proofness, stability, cost-effectiveness, and ease of operation, particularly when subjected to adverse conditions such as falling or high-temperature beverages.

Innovation Solution

A reclosable lid design featuring overlapping upper and lower parts with protuberances for enhanced liquid-proofness, sliding guide means for secure assembly and operation, and a dome-shaped structure for improved stability and thermal insulation, along with latch knobs and ribs for user-friendly handling.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If the lid uses a conventional double lid design with a pin through a hole, then the structure is simple and成本低, but the liquid-proofness is insufficient under adverse conditions

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveliquid-proofnessVSAvoidlid structure
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The lid is divided into an upper lid part and a lower lid part that can rotate relative to each other. The upper lid part includes a first outlet opening, and the lower lid part includes a second outlet opening, creating segmented liquid flow paths that enhance liquid-proofness while maintaining operational simplicity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The lower lid part is positioned within the upper lid part, with the lower lid part rotating inside the upper lid part. This nested configuration allows both lid parts to work together to seal the container opening while enabling reclosable functionality through rotation

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

2Stability of the object's composition

If the lid parts are mounted only at certain restricted portions, then the manufacturing is easier and costs are lower, but the stability and thermal insulation are reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvelid stabilityVSAvoidmanufacturing complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The upper and lower lid parts serve multiple functions: they provide structural stability when both overlap the container opening edge, create thermal insulation barriers, and enable reclosable operation through rotation. This multi-functionality achieves enhanced stability without proportionally increasing manufacturing complexity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Reliability

If the lid uses a secure fastening mechanism, then the liquid-proofness is improved, but the ease of operation for users is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesecure fasteningVSAvoiduser operation
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The lid transitions from a static sealed structure to a dynamic reclosable system where the upper lid part can rotate relative to the lower lid part. This dynamic design allows users to easily open and reclose the container while maintaining secure fastening and liquid-proofness when closed

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The rotation mechanism allows users to easily operate the lid without requiring additional tools or complex fastening procedures. The user can simply rotate the upper lid part to open or close the container, making the system self-service friendly while maintaining security

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Data Source

PatentEP2346742B1Recloseable lid for a container, in particular for a paper cup
Publication Date: 2013.04.03 SEDA SPA
  • EP2346742B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2346742B1 patent drawingFigure 2~4
  • EP2346742B1 patent drawingFigure 5~7

AI summary

The invention is directed to a lid (1) for a container, in particular to a lid for a drink container such as a paper cup. The lid (1) is detachably mountable onto the edge of an opening of the container. The lid comprises a lower lid part (3) with an inner outlet opening (22), and an upper lid part (2) with an outer outlet opening (38). In an assembled position, the upper lid part (2) is mounted rotatable relative to the lower lid part (3) between at least two positions, such that the outlet openings (22), (38) are mutually aligned in one position and are without any overlap in the other position. The lid (1) is characterized in that the lower lid part (3) comprises a circumferential mounting flange (4) for overlapping the opening edge of the container, and in that the upper lid part (2) comprises a circumferential mounting flange (25) for overlapping the mounting flange (4) of the lower lid part (3).