Spill resistant beverage container assembly
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing beverage container designs fail to prevent spills during consumption, lacking a mechanism to selectively open and close the drinking aperture in response to user motion.
Innovation Solution
A spill-resistant beverage container assembly comprising a cup and a lid with a detection and access module that includes a sensor and actuator system to automatically open the aperture when the user brings the container to their mouth, allowing for spill-free sipping.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the aperture remains open for easy access to beverage, then ease of operation is improved, but spill risk increases
Solution Approach 1:
The aperture transitions from a static open/closed state to a dynamic state that automatically responds to user motion. The detection module senses when the cup is brought to the user's mouth and triggers the aperture to open, then closes it when the user moves away, creating a dynamic adaptation to usage conditions that prevents spills while maintaining ease of access
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates a feedback loop where the detection module continuously monitors for user presence or motion near the aperture. When motion is detected indicating the user is bringing the cup to their mouth, the system responds by opening the aperture. When motion stops, the aperture closes, creating a responsive feedback mechanism that adapts to user behavior in real-time
2Reliability
If a detection and access module is added to automatically control the aperture, then spill resistance is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The detection and access module enables the lid to serve itself by automatically detecting when the user needs access and controlling the aperture without requiring manual operation. The system self-regulates the aperture state based on detected motion, eliminating the need for users to manually open or close the aperture while maintaining simple overall system architecture
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces complex mechanical aperture control mechanisms (such as manual latches or buttons) with a detection-based system that uses motion sensing to trigger aperture opening. This substitution of mechanical control with detection-based control simplifies the user interface while maintaining reliability through automated response to user needs
Data Source
AI summary
A spill resistant beverage container assembly for spill free beverage consumption includes a cup and a lid that is complementary to a top of the cup so that the lid is positioned to be selectively coupled to the cup to sealably close the top. The lid comprises a sidewall that is coupled to and extends between an upper plate and a lower plate to define an interior space. An aperture is positioned in the lid proximate to a circumference of the lid. A detection and access module that is coupled to the lid and positioned in the interior space is configured to detect motion in proximity to the aperture, positioning the detection and access module to open the aperture so that the aperture is configured to allow sipping of a beverage that is positioned in the cup.