Drinking spout with trigger and valve mechanism for commercial bottles and cans
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing beverage containers lack a universal, one-handed trigger-activated valve mechanism that allows full-flow drinking without spillage and automatic closure, especially for standard bottles and cans, posing safety and convenience issues during single-handed use.
Innovation Solution
A universal bottle spout with a spring-loaded valve mechanism and ergonomic design, featuring a trigger-activated, automatic closure system that can be attached to various bottle types using a universal connector with threads and a rubber coupler, incorporating different valve types such as semi-ball, ball, and slider valves for uninhibited flow and spill prevention.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a traditional bottle cap is used, then the bottle can be sealed, but two hands are required to open and close the cap which creates safety issues during driving
Solution Approach 1:
The cap incorporates a dynamic trigger mechanism that transitions from a closed locked state to an open state through a single triggering motion. The trigger is spring-loaded and designed to be actuated by one hand, automatically breaking the seal and opening the beverage flow without requiring two-handed manipulation.
Solution Approach 2:
The cap is divided into separate functional components: a trigger mechanism, a sealing element, and a flow control valve. This segmentation allows the trigger to be actuated independently by one hand while the sealing and flow control functions are handled by dedicated components that automatically respond to the trigger action.
2Object-generated harmful factors
If a flow-limiting nipple-shaped nozzle is used, then spillage is reduced, but the beverage flow is inhibited and drinking experience is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The valve mechanism transitions dynamically between a closed position (preventing spillage when not in use) and a fully open position (providing uninhibited beverage flow during drinking). The spring-loaded valve is designed to open completely when the trigger is actuated, eliminating flow restriction while maintaining spill prevention when closed.
3Ease of operation
If a trigger mechanism is added for one-handed operation, then ease of operation is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The trigger mechanism is merged with the existing cap structure and valve system. The trigger acts directly on the valve through a simple mechanical linkage, combining the activation function with the flow control function in a unified mechanism that does not require separate complex components.
Solution Approach 2:
The spring-loaded valve automatically returns to the closed position after the trigger is released, and the seal automatically re-engages. This self-service behavior eliminates the need for additional mechanisms to reset or reclose the valve, reducing overall system complexity despite the added trigger function.
4Object-generated harmful factors
If automatic closure is implemented, then spillage is prevented, but the mechanism complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The spring-loaded valve automatically closes and the seal automatically re-engages with the valve seat when the trigger force is removed. This self-closing and self-sealing behavior prevents accidental opening and spillage without requiring additional actuators, sensors, or control mechanisms, thereby minimizing complexity.
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
Enables safe, convenient, and spill-free drinking from standard bottles and cans using one hand, enhancing safety during activities like driving and providing easy attachment to multiple container sizes and types, with automatic closure to prevent accidental opening.
Implementation Method 1
Within the housing, the bottle spout is comprised of a valve that covers the orifice and a spring-loaded mechanism to move the valve and uncover the orifice completely.
Data Source
AI summary
A device for attaching to commercial beverage container that provides for an uninhibited, full-flow of beverage which has a user-initiated trigger and valve mechanism that can be activated in a single motion with one hand and which closes automatically when the user-initiated trigger is released. The device is comprised of a housing with a drinking end and a bottle connector end, a valve that is connected to an external trigger by a spring-loaded recoil mechanism, and a safety lock to prevent accidental opening of the valve. The bottle connector end is designed to be connected to various bottle neck and thread sizes. Alternatively, the bottle connector end may be designed for a single beverage container. The device may also be comprised of a carry clip and ergonomic features for ease of carrying and holding, respectively. The device may alternatively be manufactured onto beverage containers.