Spillproof Cup Lid Alignment With Tightening Feedback
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing spillproof container assemblies for toddlers are difficult to tighten properly, leading to leakage or spilling, and are challenging for small children and caregivers to grip and orient correctly during use.
Innovation Solution
The design includes lid and container wings for improved grippability and alignment, along with visual, audible, and tactile feedback mechanisms to ensure proper tightening and orientation, such as aligned wings and an acoustic waveguide for audible feedback.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the lid is tightly fastened onto the cup body to prevent leakage, then sealing performance is improved, but the lid becomes difficult to remove and may deform the threads and sealing surfaces
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by providing a localized release feature (push-button or tab mechanism) that concentrates the unlocking action at a specific point on the lid. This allows the lid to remain tightly sealed during normal use while enabling easy removal when needed, resolving the contradiction between strong sealing and easy opening.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamics by using a threaded connection that maintains static tight sealing during use, but allows dynamic easy removal through a release mechanism. The lid transitions from a statically tight state to an easily removable state through user activation of the release feature.
2Ease of operation
If the lid is not fully screwed onto the cup body, then easy removal is improved, but leakage and undesirable entry of makeup air occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies feedback by incorporating visual indicators (such as aligned marks or color changes) that provide immediate feedback to the user when the lid is properly tightened. This ensures reliable sealing while maintaining ease of removal through the release mechanism, as users can confirm proper engagement without over-tightening.
3Ease of manufacture
If the lid and cup body are substantially cylindrical in transverse cross-section, then manufacturing simplicity is improved, but grippability for both small children and caregivers deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies asymmetry by adding asymmetric grip features (such as protrusions, ridges, or textured surfaces) to the otherwise cylindrical lid and cup body. These asymmetric features provide better grip for children's hands and caregivers while maintaining the simple cylindrical overall shape for easy manufacturing.
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 design enhances the ease of use by providing clear feedback on optimal tightening and alignment, reducing spillage and improving handling for both children and caregivers.
Implementation Method 1
an acoustic waveguide defined in the lid body for transmitting a sound to the user
Data Source
AI summary
A spillproof container assembly includes a container body and a lid body that is adapted to be fastened onto the container body by screwing. Both the container body and the lid body are advantageously provided with outwardly extending wing portions for enhancing the grippability of and properly orienting the container assembly for small children. The outwardly extending wing portions of the container body are aligned with the outwardly extending wing portions of the lid body. The lid body is provided with an acoustic waveguide, and sound generating structure is provided in communication with the acoustic waveguide for creating an audible feedback when the lid body has been tightened onto the container body to a predetermined relative position and tightness. The acoustic waveguide further functions as a viewing port that provides a visual feedback so that a user can visually verify the position of the lid body with respect to the container body. In addition, the wing portions of the lid body are designed to slightly interfere with and cam over respective upper platforms on the wing portions of the container body so that a user will be provided with a tactical feedback as a lid body is approaching an optimal amount of tightness with respect to the container body.