Removable Lid Latch for Sanitary Single-Touch Fluid Dispensing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fluid dispensing vessels with complex mechanisms are prone to malfunction due to exposure to diverse beverages, leading to sticky residues and unsanitary conditions, making them unsafe for use.
Innovation Solution
A fluid dispensing vessel with a removable lid that moves along a predetermined path between sealed and open positions, utilizing a spring-biased latch system for easy operation and maintenance, ensuring fluid flow control with a single touch while preventing contamination of internal components.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a complex trigger mechanism is used to operate apertures in the lid for convenient dispensing, then the ease of operation is improved, but the device complexity increases and the mechanism becomes exposed to diverse fluids causing sticky residues and malfunction
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the complex trigger mechanism and aperture system from the lid, replacing it with a simple push-button actuator that directly opens a valve. This extracts the problematic complex mechanism while preserving the single-touch operation benefit, eliminating sticky residue issues caused by exposure to diverse beverages.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of using a trigger mechanism to open apertures, the patent inverts the approach by using a simple button press to directly actuate a valve mechanism. This inversion simplifies the operating mechanism while maintaining the convenient single-touch dispensing function.
2Adaptability or versatility
If internal components of the removable lid are exposed to diverse fluids, then the adaptability is improved, but sticky residues and deposits accumulate causing malfunction and unsanitary conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the complex internal mechanism from exposure to beverages by designing a system where only the exterior button and valve seat are exposed. The internal valve components are protected from direct contact with diverse fluids, preventing sticky residue accumulation while maintaining the ability to dispense different beverage types.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a valve seat and valve assembly design that creates a sealed interface, protecting internal components from fluid exposure. The valve mechanism operates in a protected environment while still allowing versatile beverage dispensing through the sealed interface.
3Ease of operation
If a removable lid with enclosed mechanism is used, then the ease of operation is improved, but the components become exposed to diverse drinks leading to sticky residues and unsanitary conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the enclosed complex mechanism from the lid, replacing it with a simple button actuator. This extraction eliminates the trapped internal components that would be exposed to diverse fluids, preventing sticky residue buildup while maintaining convenient operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a simple, easily cleanable button and valve seat design that can be quickly sanitized. The minimalist mechanism has fewer surfaces for residue accumulation and can be easily maintained, effectively treating the dispensing interface as easily replaceable or cleanable components.
4Ease of operation
If a complex mechanism is enclosed within the removable cover, then the ease of operation is improved, but deposits accumulate creating unsanitary conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the complex mechanism from the removable lid, replacing it with a simple button actuator. This extraction dramatically simplifies maintenance and sanitation, as there are no enclosed internal components to clean or maintain, while preserving the single-touch operation benefit.
Solution Approach 2:
The simple button and valve seat design allows for easy self-cleaning and maintenance. The minimal internal surfaces can be quickly rinsed and sanitized without disassembly, enabling users to easily maintain sanitary conditions between uses.
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 sanitary and easy-to-maintain fluid dispensing system that prevents fluid residue buildup, ensuring safe and reliable operation by allowing fluid flow control with a single touch, maintaining vessel hygiene across various beverage types.
Implementation Method 1
a spring biased latch which is moveably borne by the removable lid
Data Source
AI summary
A fluid dispensing vessel is described and which includes a container body for enclosing a fluid to be dispensed, and a removable lid having first and second portions which move one relative to the other, and wherein when the second portion of the lid is in a first position, fluid may not be dispensed from the container body, and when located in the second position, fluid may be dispensed from the container body, and wherein a latch is provided which releases the second portion of the removable lid from the first portion for travel to a second position to allow the dispensing of fluid.