Squeeze-Tab Lid Design for Controlled Citrus Juice Extraction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional beverage containers, especially aluminum cans, limit the ability to add fruit juice and wedges due to their dimensions and design, often resulting in messy and unpredictable juice distribution when attempting to squeeze citrus fruits.
Innovation Solution
A specially configured lid with a squeeze tab and locator depression allows for controlled juice extraction and addition, featuring a rivet connecting the squeeze tab to the lid, a tab depression for applying pressure, and a raised wall to assist in fruit placement, with a sloped surface guiding the juice into an enlarged opening.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a traditional can lid is used, then the container structure remains simple, but the ability to add fruit juice and wedges is limited and messy
Solution Approach 1:
The lid is segmented into multiple functional zones: a locator depression for positioning fruit, a squeezing surface for juice extraction, channels for directed juice flow, and an enlarged opening for wedge insertion. This segmentation allows each zone to perform its specific function efficiently while collectively providing versatile fruit addition capabilities.
Solution Approach 2:
The lid serves multiple functions: it seals the container, positions fruit wedges, provides a surface for squeezing, directs juice flow through channels, and allows insertion of fruit wedges through the enlarged opening. This multi-functionality resolves the contradiction by enabling diverse fruit addition methods without requiring separate devices.
2Ease of operation
If a traditional small opening is used, then the lid structure remains simple, but juice distribution becomes unpredictable and messy
Solution Approach 1:
Channels act as intermediaries between the squeezing surface and the container interior. They capture juice at the squeezing surface and guide it along a controlled path to the container, preventing random spray and ensuring directed, clean juice delivery.
Solution Approach 2:
The lid features localized functional areas with specific properties: the locator depression provides a confined space for fruit positioning, the squeezing surface offers optimal pressure application points, and the channels provide directed flow paths. Each local area is optimized for its specific function, enabling controlled juice extraction.
3Adaptability or versatility
If a traditional can opening is used, then the container structure remains simple, but fruit wedges cannot be inserted
Solution Approach 1:
The lid opening is segmented into two distinct access points: a standard opening for常规 access and an enlarged opening specifically designed for fruit wedge insertion. This segmentation allows the lid to accommodate both traditional and wedge insertion methods without compromising structural integrity.
Solution Approach 2:
The enlarged opening provides an alternative dimensional access path for fruit wedges, allowing them to be inserted through the lid rather than requiring side access. This dimensional change in the opening geometry enables wedge insertion while maintaining the overall simple can structure.
Data Source
AI summary
A container and lid having a squeeze tab and lid portions for squeezing a fruit to cause the juice to flow into an opening on the lid of the container. The lid includes a rivet at a midpoint of the lid, connecting the squeeze tab to the lid. The squeeze tab includes a tab depression on a first end of the squeeze tab proximate to a locator depression on the lid. The locator depression provides an area to place fruit to be squeezed, for example a lime wedge. A raised wall formed on the lid on one side of the locator depression assists with placement of the fruit wedge within the locator depression. The lid may form a sloped surface wherein the slope extends from a high point of a rime to a low point of the rim proximate to an opening into which juice may flow.