Straw assembly for liquid dispenser
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Solution Overview
Problem
There is a need for lids and straw assemblies in portable containers that can effectively cover and protect the inner space from dirt when the spout is in use, and facilitate the removal and cleaning of valves in the dispensing passageway.
Innovation Solution
A straw assembly with a lid coupler and straw coupler configured for rotation, utilizing a pivot rod to facilitate the coupling and decoupling of the lid and straw, and including features such as hooks, stops, and cavities to retain valves and seals, allowing for easy cleaning and protection of the inner space.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the spout is left open during use, then liquid dispensing is convenient, but dirt can enter the inner space of the lid
Solution Approach 1:
The spout cover is segmented from the main lid body, allowing it to move independently to cover only the dispensing aperture while leaving the inner space accessible. This segmentation enables the cover to protect the inner space from dirt while maintaining ease of liquid dispensing through the aperture.
Solution Approach 2:
The spout cover acts as an intermediary element between the inner space and the external environment. It selectively blocks dirt entry while allowing liquid to pass through the dispensing aperture, thus protecting the inner space without compromising dispensing convenience.
2Device complexity
If the valve is fixed in the dispensing passageway, then the structure is simple, but the valve cannot be easily removed for cleaning
Solution Approach 1:
The valve is designed with dynamic characteristics, allowing it to be fixed during operation but easily removed when cleaning is needed. The valve can be detached from the dispensing passageway by breaking a friction fit or disengaging a retention mechanism, enabling simple removal for cleaning while maintaining structural simplicity during use.
Solution Approach 2:
The valve is designed to be temporarily discarded (removed) from the dispensing passageway for cleaning purposes, then recovered (reinstalled) afterward. This approach allows the valve to be easily removed for maintenance while maintaining a simple fixed structure during normal operation.
3Device complexity
If the lid coupler and straw coupler are fixed relative to each other, then the assembly is structurally simple, but the spout cover cannot be properly positioned when the spout is in use
Solution Approach 1:
The lid coupler and straw coupler are connected through a pivot rod that enables relative rotation between them. This dynamic connection allows the spout cover to rotate and position itself correctly when the spout is in use, while maintaining a relatively simple assembly structure through the pivot mechanism.
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed are embodiments of straw assemblies for use with liquid containers. In one embodiment, a straw assembly can include a lid coupler operatively coupled by a pivot rod to a straw coupler. In one embodiment, the pivot rod provides an axis of rotation for the lid coupler that is offset and parallel to a main axis of the straw assembly. In some embodiments, the lid coupler is configured to retain a valve and/or a gasket. In certain embodiments, the straw coupler can be configured to retain a seal. In one embodiment the lid coupler and the straw coupler can be provided with, respectively, a lid coupler hook and a straw coupler hook. The lid coupler hook and the straw coupler hook are configured to facilitate removable coupling of the lid coupler and the straw coupler.