Spill-proof cup and control method thereof

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing spill-proof cup technologies face issues with high power consumption, incomplete liquid containment due to delayed lid closure, and limited functionality on uneven surfaces or when handled roughly, as they require continuous sensor monitoring and are not effective in preventing spills during collisions or when placed on unstable surfaces.

Innovation Solution

A spill-proof cup equipped with a dual-threshold acceleration switch system at the top and bottom, along with a stress sensor, that allows for intelligent lid control using MEMS bistable acceleration switches and a controller to differentiate between slight and violent collisions, reducing the need for continuous sensor monitoring and optimizing energy usage.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If continuous sensor monitoring is used to detect collisions, then spill prevention reliability is improved, but energy consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvespill prevention reliabilityVSAvoidenergy consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs periodic sampling of acceleration data at specific intervals (e.g., every 100ms) rather than continuous monitoring. The controller periodically checks acceleration values against threshold criteria to determine if a collision occurred, enabling energy-efficient operation while maintaining reliable spill prevention through structured intermittent detection.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #19Periodic action

2Reliability

If lid closure is delayed to confirm collision type, then false triggering is reduced, but liquid containment effectiveness deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefalse triggering reductionVSAvoidlid closure timing

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent pre-establishes collision type classification criteria based on acceleration threshold comparisons before actual collision detection. The controller has predetermined rules (e.g., acceleration > threshold1 for 50ms indicates strong collision) ready to execute immediately upon data collection, enabling rapid classification and immediate lid closure without delayed confirmation steps.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

3Measurement precision

If dual-threshold acceleration switches are used to differentiate collision types, then control precision is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecollision detection precisionVSAvoidsensor system complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines dual-threshold acceleration switching logic with existing microcontroller units and integrates sensor signals through unified processing algorithms. The controller consolidates threshold comparison, collision type classification, and lid control decisions into a single integrated processing unit, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining precise collision detection capabilities.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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 effectively reduces energy consumption by accurately distinguishing between collision types, ensuring timely lid closure and preventing spills without continuous sensor monitoring, enhancing spill-proof functionality on various surfaces and during handling.

Implementation Method 1

a top acceleration switch set disposed on the top of the cup body, and the top acceleration switch set including a first acceleration switch and a second acceleration switch; a bottom acceleration switch set disposed at the bottom of the cup body, and the bottom acceleration switch set including a first acceleration switch and a second acceleration switch

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectAcceleration switch detection: Accelerometer

Implementation Method 2

a stress sensor disposed on an outer side surface of the cup body, wherein the controller is configured to acquire a reading of the stress sensor to determine whether to close the cup lid

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectStress sensing: Piezoresistive Effect

Data Source

PatentUS11253090B2Spill-proof cup and control method thereof

Publication Date: 2022.02.22 BOE TECHNOLOGY GROUP CO LTD

AI summary

A spill-proof cup includes a cup body, a cup lid disposed at the top of the cup body; a lid control device connected to the cup lid for opening or closing the cup lid; a top acceleration switch set disposed on the top of the cup body, and the top acceleration switch set including a first acceleration switch and a second acceleration switch; a bottom acceleration switch set disposed at the bottom of the cup body, and the bottom acceleration switch set including a first acceleration switch and a second acceleration switch; a controller connected to the first acceleration switches, the second acceleration switches and the lid control device, and configured to receive signals from the first and second acceleration switches, and control the lid control device according to the signal. A triggering threshold of the second acceleration switch is greater than that of the first acceleration switch.