Twistable Spout Lid Design to Block Fluid Flow Without Extra Space
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing lid designs for containers that close liquid passages either require additional space for bent tubes or have complex mechanisms involving misalignment, lacking a simple and space-efficient solution for blocking and unblocking fluid flow.
Innovation Solution
A twistable spout unit with a guiding mechanism that allows the spout to be closed by downward pressure, utilizing a pivotable cover member and a guiding unit with interfitting elements to rotate the spout, and made from elastic material for easy untwisting, eliminating the need for extra space and complex structures.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the liquid passage is closed by bending or folding the tube or spout, then the liquid passage can be effectively blocked, but an extra space is needed to accommodate the bent tube or spout
Solution Approach 1:
The passage is designed as a dynamic component that can twist and rotate between locked and unlocked positions. The passage connects the container opening to the spout and is capable of rotational movement around the spout axis, allowing it to transition between blocking and unblocking states without requiring additional storage space
Solution Approach 2:
The twisted passage is nested within the lid body structure, with the spout protruding beyond the lid body while the passage itself is disposed within the lid body. This nesting arrangement allows the passage to twist and block the liquid flow without requiring extra external space
2Reliability
If the liquid passage is blocked by misaligning an upper portion with a lower portion using a pivoting mechanism, then the liquid passage can be blocked, but the structure becomes complicated
Solution Approach 1:
The cover member and passage are combined into an integrated assembly where the cover member is pivotally mounted on the lid body and directly acts on the passage to cause twisting. This merging eliminates the need for separate misalignment mechanisms while achieving reliable blocking through the twistable passage
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of misaligning portions to block the passage, the invention uses the opposite approach: the passage is twisted around the spout axis to block the liquid flow. The cover member pivots to apply downward pressure that rotates the passage, inverting the conventional misalignment approach into a twisting mechanism that is simpler and more effective
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 solution provides a simple, space-efficient mechanism for blocking and unblocking fluid flow, preventing undesired dispensing while allowing easy switching between closed and open positions without additional space or complexity, ensuring effective containment and convenience.
Implementation Method 1
The passage of the spout unit may be made of an elastic material such as silica gel, and the elasticity of the material allows the untwisting of the twisted passage when the action on the spout unit is released.
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention provides a lid (10) connected to a container (20), comprising a lid body (11) adapted to be removably attached to the opening (21) of the container, a spout unit (30) comprising a spout (31) and a passage (32) in fluid communication with the spout and with the opening of the container, and a cover member (40)pivotably mounted on the lid body and pivotal between a locked position wherein the cover member acts on the spout unit, thereby causing twistable turning of the passage of the spout unit to prevent a fluid contained in the container from being dispensed through the opening of the container, and an unlocked position wherein the action on the spout unit is released, thereby allowing untwisting of the twisted passage to resume the fluid communication of the passage with the spout and the opening of the container. The invention also provides a container assembly comprising the lid.