Silicone Lid with Slit for Bubble Containers
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing bubble containers face issues with spillage and leakage during changes in orientation and restricted access to the bubble fluid, as conventional lids require removal for breathing and do not effectively manage excess fluid from the wand.
Innovation Solution
A silicone-based lid assembly with a top circular base, a central slit, a spherical protrusion, and a cylindrical member that allows the wand to be inserted without removing the lid, providing a leak-proof seal and retaining excess fluid, while adapting to various container designs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a conventional lid is used to prevent spillage, then leakage during orientation changes is prevented, but access to the bubble fluid is restricted and the lid must be removed for breathing
Solution Approach 1:
The lid is segmented into multiple functional components: a rim structure for container engagement, a protrusion structure for sealing, a slit structure for controlled access, and a flange for structural support. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function independently, enabling the lid to maintain spillage prevention while providing controlled access through the slit without requiring complete removal
Solution Approach 2:
The lid incorporates a slit structure with specific local properties - it is positioned centrally on the top surface and has dimensions that allow bubble wand insertion while maintaining the sealing function of the surrounding lid material. This local modification enables differentiated functionality: the slit area permits access while the rest of the lid maintains the spillage prevention seal
2Reliability
If the container is held in vertical position to prevent spillage, then leakage is avoided, but the user cannot change orientation freely
Solution Approach 1:
The lid employs a dynamic sealing mechanism where the protrusion structure can deform and adapt to different container orientations. The elastic or flexible material allows the protrusion to maintain contact with the container rim regardless of orientation, providing continuous spillage prevention whether the container is vertical, horizontal, or inverted
Solution Approach 2:
The lid is constructed from flexible material that can conform to the container opening and maintain the seal under various orientations. The flexibility allows the lid to adapt its shape and sealing surface to prevent spillage in any position, eliminating the need to maintain a specific vertical orientation
3Ease of operation
If excess bubble fluid is allowed on the wand, then breathing bubbles is easier, but dripping and leakage occur on surrounding surfaces
Solution Approach 1:
The lid converts the potentially harmful excess fluid on the wand into a beneficial sealing mechanism. When the wand is inserted through the slit, the excess fluid is trapped between the wand and the slit walls, creating a temporary seal that prevents dripping while still allowing bubble formation. The fluid that would otherwise drip is now contained and used to enhance the sealing effect
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 prevents spillage and leakage during orientation changes and breathing, while maintaining easy access to the bubble fluid, and retains excess fluid on the wand, preventing drips on surrounding surfaces.
Implementation Method 1
The lid assembly is made of silicone material which allows to adapt over the bubble containers manufactured by different manufactures. Also, the lid assembly retains its original shape once the lid is removed from the container.
Data Source
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AI summary
A lid assembly 100 for preventing leakage and spillage from a container 118 during change in orientation of the container 118 and breathing of bubbles is disclosed. The lid assembly 100 is made of silicone material which allows to adapt over any bubble container. The lid assembly 100 comprises a top flat circular base 102, a slit portion 108 set on a center of the circular base 102, a spherical protrusion structure 104 integral with and extending downward from a peripheral edge 110 of said base 102 and a cylindrical member 106 with one end formed integral with a lower end of the protrusion structure 104 and other end forms a rim structure 116 to adapt over a rim flange of the container 118. The slit 108 enables a user to insert a wand 120 directly into the container 118, preventing leakage during breathing.