Spill-Proof Cup Cap With Self-Sealing Demand Valve
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing spill-proof cups with pressure-operated valves fail to provide a reliable seal, are inefficient in blocking leaks, and cannot safely handle carbonated or hot beverages due to pressure mismanagement and design limitations, particularly in mass-market applications for infants.
Innovation Solution
A self-sealing demand valve is integrated into the cap, where the pressure inside the container closes the valve, and it can be opened by low suction, with a resilient member sealing around the entire outer rim of a rigid member, ensuring reliable sealing and easy cleaning, and the design minimizes components and manufacturing costs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a pressure-operated valve is used to prevent spillage, then the cup can maintain liquid-tight seal when tilted, but the cup cannot safely be used with carbonated or hot beverages as pressure increases when inverted and liquid is driven out
Solution Approach 1:
The self-sealing demand valve reverses the pressure response mechanism: instead of pressure opening the valve, pressure increases the closing force on the closure element against the valve seat. Only suction at the outlet can overcome this biasing force and open the valve, making the system safe for carbonated and hot beverages
2Reliability
If a self-sealing demand valve is implemented with multiple separate components, then the valve can function reliably, but the number of components increases manufacturing cost and handling difficulty
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the valve body and closure element into a single integrally formed component, eliminating the need for separate valve body and closure element parts. This reduces the number of components, simplifies manufacturing, and lowers costs while maintaining the self-sealing demand valve functionality through the integrally formed structure with its built-in sealing surfaces and suction-responsive opening mechanism
3Ease of operation
If the diaphragm is exposed to outside atmospheric pressure for proper operation, then the valve can respond to suction correctly, but the diaphragm becomes accessible to accidental contact from outside the cup
Solution Approach 1:
The patent nests the diaphragm within a recess in the cap, positioning it such that it remains exposed to atmospheric pressure through the recess opening for proper suction response, while the recess structure protects it from accidental contact from outside the cup. The diaphragm is effectively shielded by the recess geometry while maintaining its pressure-sensitive functionality
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 reliable seal against leaks, safely handles carbonated and hot beverages, and is easy to clean and assemble, meeting safety and usability criteria for mass-market spill-proof cups.
Implementation Method 1
a resilient membrane (16) which acts as a pressure sensitive diaphragm and is exposed to a pressure differential between atmospheric pressure and pressure in the spout
Implementation Method 2
the resilient member (16) incorporating the valve closure element (164) and the resilient membrane (16)
Implementation Method 3
the closure element (164) being urged by the pressure in the container in a direction to seal against the valve seat (184)
Implementation Method 4
the closure element (164) being urged to move to an open position in dependence on the excess of the pressure in the control port over that in the discharge port
Data Source
AI summary
A cap is described for closing a liquid beverage container for allowing the beverage to be sucked out of the container through a spout, while preventing spillage when no suction takes place. A demand valve is incorporated into the cap, which has an inlet port communicating with the interior of the container, a discharge port communicating with the spout and a control port communicating with the ambient atmosphere through a hole in the cap. The valve has a valve seat and a closure element controlling the flow from the inlet port to the discharge port urged to move into an opening position in dependence on the excess of the control pressures over that in the discharge ports, this movement being in the direction opposed to the flow and urged by the pressure in the container in a direction to seal against the valve seat. In the invention, the demand valve is formed by two members that are mounted on the inner surface of the cap. The first member is rigid and defines the valve inlet port and the valve seat. The second member incorporates the valve closure element and a resilient membrane which includes the valve closure element and serves as a pressure sensitive diaphragm. The second member also seals against the first member, around the hole in the cap and around the spout.