Resiliently Biased Slider Lid for Spill-Proof Fluid Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional spill-proof lid designs are often complex, require two-handed operation, and have issues with cleanability and fluid flow, as well as poor cooperation with existing handles.
Innovation Solution
A lid assembly with a slider body and a resiliently deformable member that aligns or misaligns openings and protrusions to control fluid flow, featuring a lever assembly and guide channels for easy operation and alignment, allowing for one-handed use and improved cleanability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional spill-proof lid designs are used, then fluid flow control is achieved, but device complexity increases and ease of operation deteriorates due to two-handed operation requirement
Solution Approach 1:
The lid is segmented into distinct functional components: a lid body with openings, a slider body with protrusions, and a resiliently deformable member. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function independently while working together to achieve spill-proof operation, reducing overall system complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The resiliently deformable member automatically returns the slider body to the closed position after fluid flow is permitted, eliminating the need for continuous user intervention or complex control mechanisms. The slider body self-regulates fluid flow based on the lever assembly position
2Reliability
If conventional spill-proof lid designs are used, then fluid flow control is achieved, but ease of operation deteriorates due to two-handed operation requirement
Solution Approach 1:
The slider body is moved from a rotational operation (conventional lids) to a linear sliding motion along the guide channel. This dimensional change allows the lever assembly to operate the lid with simple linear motion, making it compatible with one-handed operation and existing cup handles
Solution Approach 2:
The lever assembly acts as an intermediary between the user's hand and the slider body, translating simple linear motion into the appropriate sliding action that controls fluid flow. This intermediary mechanism simplifies the user's interaction with the lid
3Reliability
If conventional spill-proof lid designs are used, then fluid flow control is achieved, but cleanability deteriorates due to complex structures
Solution Approach 1:
The slider body is designed to be removable from the lid body, allowing users to easily take out and clean the components separately. This extraction capability addresses the cleanability issue by enabling access to all surfaces that contact fluid
Solution Approach 2:
The lid and slider body feature smooth surfaces and rounded corners in areas that contact fluid, making them resistant to staining and easy to clean. The guide channel and recess are designed with smooth transitions to prevent food particle accumulation
4Reliability
If conventional spill-proof lid designs are used, then fluid flow control is achieved, but fluid flow performance deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The lid transitions from a static closed state to a dynamic open state where multiple openings are simultaneously exposed. The slider body can be positioned to expose multiple openings at once, allowing increased fluid flow rate when drinking is required while maintaining spill-proof operation when closed
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 enables a simple, effective, and easy-to-clean spill-proof mechanism that allows fluid flow while preventing spills, suitable for various container types, with improved usability and compatibility with handles.
Implementation Method 1
a resiliently deformable member guided within the guide channel, wherein the body is movable between a first position in which the openings and protrusions are aligned to block a flow of fluid through the lid
Data Source
AI summary
A lid assembly includes a lid, which defines openings and a guide channel, and a body slidably engaging the lid and defining protrusions that correspond with the openings. A resiliently deformable member of the body is guided within the guide channel of the lid. The body is movable between a first position in which the openings and protrusions are aligned to block fluid flow and a second position in which the openings and protrusions are misaligned to allow fluid flow through the lid. The body is biased in the direction of the first position by the resiliently deformable member.