Rotatable Silicone Lid Ring for Hygienic Pouring Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

Modern container lids with spouts pose challenges in cleaning and controlling the opening/closing of the spout, leading to hygienic and functional issues.

Innovation Solution

A lid design featuring a detachable elastic ring element with through-openings of varying sizes, made from silicone, which can be rotated to align with the container's spout for precise pouring control and easy cleaning, accompanied by a metal retaining ring with symbols for easy usage.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of manufacture

If the lid is designed as a single integrated piece, then the structure is simple and manufacturing is easy, but cleaning becomes difficult and hygienic standards cannot be met

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvelid manufacturing simplicityVSAvoidlid cleaning ease
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The lid is divided into separate components: a lid base and a detachable ring element that can be removed for cleaning. This segmentation allows each part to be cleaned independently, improving hygiene while maintaining manufacturing simplicity through modular assembly

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Ease of operation

If the spout is always open, then pouring is convenient, but liquid cannot be retained in the container

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepouring convenienceVSAvoidliquid retention capability
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The ring element can be rotated to different positions, dynamically changing the pouring cross-section from closed to partially open to fully open. This allows the system to adapt between liquid retention and pouring convenience based on operational needs

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Device complexity

If the pouring cross-section is fixed, then the structure is simple, but pouring control and adaptability are limited

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepouring section structureVSAvoidpouring control flexibility
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The ring element is designed with multiple through-openings of different sizes that can be rotated into alignment with the spout, allowing dynamic adjustment of the pouring cross-section from closed to various open positions, providing versatile pouring control

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

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 simple and hygienic cleaning of the lid components and allows for defined pouring control through adjustable pouring cross-sections, enhancing both functionality and user experience.

Implementation Method 1

an elastic ring element enclosing this lid base on the circumference and extending at least slightly in the axial direction

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Implementation Method 2

Silicones offer the great advantage that they are heat-resistant, hydrophobic, dielectric and are generally considered physiologically harmless

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectHydrophobicity: Hydrophobe

Data Source

PatentEP2252183B1Ring element and associated cover
Publication Date: 2013.10.09 WMF WURTTEMBERGISCHE METALLWARENFABRIK AG
  • EP2252183B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP2252183B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP2252183B1 patent drawingFigure 5

AI summary

The present invention relates to an elastic ring element (1) for a cover (4) for the detachable closing of a container (5), in particular for closing a cooking pot, wherein the ring element (1) peripherally surrounds a cover base (6) of the cover (4) and with an axial section (3) extends at least marginally in the axial direction, wherein the ring element (1) comprises at least one passage opening (9) in a limited peripheral section (12,13,14) of the axial section (3) thereof, said passage opening being able to be aligned with a spout (10) of the container (5) for pouring out fluid present in the container (5).