Tumbler with Maneuverable Straw for Retrieving Solid Additives
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional travel containers with fixed straws fail to effectively angle the straw to pick up solid additives from the bottom of the bottle, often lacking a secure seal that prevents leaks when consuming beverages with mixed textures like bubble tea.
Innovation Solution
A tumbler with a maneuverable straw assembly featuring a flexible mounting arrangement between the straw and lid, allowing lateral translation of the straw within the tumbler while maintaining a leak-proof and spill-proof seal, facilitated by a deformable mount and seals to accommodate small edible additives.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a fixed straw is mounted within a hard-shelled travel bottle, then the structure is simple and stable, but the straw cannot be effectively angled to pick up solid additives from the bottom
Solution Approach 1:
The straw is made maneuverable through a gimbal mechanism that allows it to pivot and angle dynamically. The straw can rotate freely within the lid structure, enabling users to position the straw tip at various angles to effectively pick up solid additives from the bottom of the container while maintaining a secure seal.
2Reliability
If a single perforation is used for the straw in the lid, then the structure is simple, but it does not effectively seal the interior of the travel container around the straw
Solution Approach 1:
A flexible membrane or gasket is used around the straw perforation in the lid. This flexible element conformally seals around the straw as it moves and angles, maintaining an effective seal between the lid and container interior even when the straw is positioned at various angles for picking up solids.
3Ease of operation
If a single gimbal point is used for the straw, then the mounting is simple, but it limits the range of motion and effectiveness for picking up solids
Solution Approach 1:
The straw is equipped with a gimbal mechanism that provides multiple degrees of freedom, allowing the straw to pivot and angle in multiple directions. This dynamic mounting structure enables the straw tip to reach various positions and angles effectively, significantly improving the ability to pick up solid additives from the bottom of the container.
Data Source
AI summary
A tumbler with maneuverable straw is an apparatus that facilitates the consumption of small edible additives of a beverage. The apparatus includes a straw assembly, a lid, and a tumbler. The straw assembly includes a mouthpiece, a straw, and a main channel. The straw assembly delivers the beverage and small edible additives contained within the tumbler to the mouth of the user. The mouthpiece serves as a mount for the lips of the user and allows the user to maneuver the straw within the tumbler. The lid covers an open end of the tumbler and mounts the straw assembly onto the tumbler. The lid seals the open end of the tumbler, preventing any leakage, and receives the straw assembly. The tumbler contains a beverage and any small edible additives such as tapioca balls. The apparatus further includes a friction inducing base that protects a closed end of the tumbler.