Spigot Guard and Segmented Lid for Insulating Container Durability

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional insulating containers are not durable, with lids and spigots prone to breakage, which can render the container useless.

Innovation Solution

The design includes a rotatable lid with a latching device for secure closure, integrally formed handles to prevent breakage, and a spigot guard to protect the spigot, allowing for non-destructive removal and reattachment of the lid and easy cleaning of the spigot components.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If the lid and spigot are made protruding for functional access, then ease of operation is improved, but reliability deteriorates due to susceptibility to breakage

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveaccess to lid and spigotVSAvoiddurability of lid and spigot

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The lid is divided into a base portion and a removable cover portion that can be separated and reattached. The spigot is divided into a body portion and a removable guard portion. This segmentation allows functional access while protecting vulnerable parts from breakage.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

A spigot guard is introduced as an intermediary protective element that covers the spigot opening. The guard can be removed when spigot access is needed but protects the spigot body from impact and breakage during normal use.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Ease of repair

If the lid is made removable for cleaning and maintenance, then ease of repair is improved, but reliability deteriorates due to risk of loss or misplacement

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecleanability of containerVSAvoidlid retention

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of repairVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The lid cover portion has engagement features that allow it to be securely attached to the base portion without additional fasteners. The lid can be easily removed for cleaning and will self-latch into place when reattached, eliminating the need for separate retention mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

3Ease of operation

If handles are made protruding for easy carrying, then ease of operation is improved, but reliability deteriorates due to susceptibility to breakage

Engineering Contradiction:

ImprovecarryabilityVSAvoiddurability of handles

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

Instead of protruding handles that extend outward and are vulnerable to breakage, the container uses recessed handles that are set into the container wall. The handles are inverted in orientation, creating a C-shaped grip that provides carrying functionality while being protected by the container structure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

Data Source

PatentUS11608213B2Spigot and spigot guard for an insulating container

Publication Date: 2023.03.21 YETI COOLERS LLC

AI summary

A gasket for an insulating container may include a stem, wherein the stem further includes a plurality of prongs, and wherein the prongs are configured to be inserted into a recess in an underside of an insulating container lid, a first side, wherein the first side is connected to the stem, and wherein the first side is positioned substantially perpendicular to the stem, a second side, wherein the second side is configured to extend from the first side at an angle of 30-60 degrees, and wherein the first side and the second side form a V-shaped extension, and at least one venting hole, wherein the venting hole extends from an outside edge of a gasket wall to an interior gasket wall, and wherein the venting hole provides a conduit to an interior void of the insulating container.