Thermo Mug Sequential Valve Design to Prevent Steam Scalding
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional thermo mugs often cause users to scald themselves due to the simultaneous discharge of hot steam and water, and are not conveniently operated.
Innovation Solution
A thermo mug design featuring a valve system with separate steam and water discharge openings, controlled by a press button that allows steam to be released first, followed by water, with a mechanism that includes a water discharge valve rod and steam discharge valve rod connected via a pin and springs, enabling sequential discharge.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If a single water discharge valve is used to discharge both water and steam, then the structure is simple, but users scald themselves due to simultaneous discharge of hot steam and water
Solution Approach 1:
The single water discharge valve is segmented into two separate valves: a steam discharge valve and a water discharge valve. This segmentation allows steam and water to be discharged separately, eliminating the scalding hazard while maintaining reasonable structural complexity through the use of two specialized valves instead of one compromised valve.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If a sequential discharge mechanism is added to release steam before water, then scalding is prevented, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The steam discharge valve and water discharge valve are merged into a single integrated valve assembly that operates sequentially through a unified control mechanism. The pressing button simultaneously controls both valves through their connected rod structures, achieving sequential discharge (steam first, then water) without requiring two separate control buttons or complex independent mechanisms.
3Ease of operation
If separate steam and water discharge valves are used, then steam can be discharged first to prevent scalding, but the structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The pressing button serves as an intermediary control element that mediates between the user and the dual valve system. When pressed, it transmits force through the steam discharge valve rod and water discharge valve rod in sequence, automatically controlling the timing of steam and water discharge without requiring the user to manually operate each valve separately.
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
Prevents scalding by allowing steam to escape before water, facilitating easy one-handed operation and convenient use, while also simplifying cleaning and maintaining a secure seal.
Implementation Method 1
The water discharge valve rod is sleeved with a front spring; a rear end of the front spring abuts against the pin; a front end of the front spring is fixed on the water discharge valve rod; the steam discharge valve rod is sleeved with a rear spring; a front end of the rear spring abuts against the pin
Data Source
AI summary
A thermo mug having a mug cover and a mug body, a water discharge opening and a steam discharge opening provided on the mug cover, a valve provided in the mug cover for controlling the steam discharge opening to open first and then the water discharge opening to open subsequently, and a press button connected with the valve and provided at one side of the mug cover. The press button controls the valve to move. The present invention has a simple structure which allows discharge of the steam first and then the discharge of water by using one single button so that users will not scald themselves by the discharged hot steam.