Valve and associated methods
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing drinking containers, such as sippy cups and sports bottles, face challenges in providing a leak-resistant and user-friendly valve mechanism that allows fluid to escape only upon user suction, while maintaining a secure seal and preventing accidental spillage.
Innovation Solution
A valve mechanism comprising a valve member and seat with a flowpath that is selectively openable by suction, utilizing friction, stiction, and deformation to maintain a seal, and a retainer that allows movement within a compartment to facilitate access for maintenance and cleaning, while preventing unintended separation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a suction-operated valve mechanism is used to allow fluid escape only upon user suction, then spillage is prevented, but the valve may accidentally open or fail to seal properly
Solution Approach 1:
The valve member is designed to be dynamically responsive to pressure differentials, automatically transitioning between sealed and open states based on suction application. The flexible valve member deforms in response to pressure changes, providing automatic operation without mechanical complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The valve mechanism uses the user's own suction action to both open the valve and maintain its open state. The suction force that opens the valve also prevents the valve member from returning to its sealed position, creating a self-sustaining open state that requires no additional mechanical components.
2Reliability
If the valve member is made stiff to maintain a secure seal, then sealing is improved, but the valve becomes difficult to open with suction
Solution Approach 1:
The valve member exhibits different stiffness characteristics at different locations and in different directions. It is designed to be stiff in the direction perpendicular to the flowpath to maintain a secure seal, while being more compliant in the direction of suction force to allow easy opening. This localized differentiation of mechanical properties resolves the contradiction between seal security and activation ease.
3Reliability
If the valve is designed to be completely sealed when closed, then leak resistance is improved, but cleaning and maintenance become difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The valve assembly is segmented into separable components, including the valve member, valve seat, and retainer. This segmentation allows the valve member to be removed from the container for thorough cleaning and maintenance while maintaining a complete seal during normal operation. The modular design enables cleaning accessibility without compromising leak resistance.
4Reliability
If friction is increased to maintain the seal, then sealing is improved, but the valve requires more force to open
Solution Approach 1:
The valve utilizes pneumatic principles by employing pressure differentials created by user suction to overcome the friction holding the valve closed. The suction force creates a pressure differential that acts on the valve member, providing the necessary force to overcome friction and open the valve without requiring excessive mechanical force from the user.
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 valve mechanism effectively seals the container until user suction is applied, allowing efficient fluid flow while maintaining a secure seal and allowing for easy maintenance and cleaning, enhancing user experience and hygiene.
Implementation Method 1
The valve may be configured to maintain at least a portion of the seal using friction
Implementation Method 2
The valve member and valve seat may be at least partially maintained in the closed configuration by stiction
Implementation Method 3
The movement of the at least a portion of the valve member may comprise deformation and/or deflection of the at least a portion of the valve member
Implementation Method 4
The flowpath may be selectively openable in response to suction generated by a user
Implementation Method 5
The valve member may be sufficiently stiff to cause the portion of the valve member to be levered away from the valve seat by pivoting, such as when the valve is subject to underpressure
Data Source
AI summary
A container (5) comprising a valve (10) with a valve member (12) and a valve seat (14). The container (5) has a retainer for retaining the valve member (12). The valve (10) defines a flowpath between the valve member (12) and the valve seat (14), the flowpath being selectively openable by movement of at least a portion of the valve member (12) away from the valve seat (14) in response to suction. The flowpath does not pass through any aperture within the valve member (12).