Twistable Spout Lid Assembly for Space-Efficient Liquid Shutoff

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing lid designs for containers that close or block liquid passages are either space-consuming due to bending mechanisms or structurally complex due to misalignment mechanisms, lacking a simple and space-efficient solution.

Innovation Solution

A twistable spout unit mechanism where a cover member pivotably mounted on the lid body interacts with a guiding unit to twist the spout passage, blocking fluid flow when locked and allowing flow when unlocked, utilizing an elastic material for the spout unit to facilitate easy switching.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering 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

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveliquid passage blocking effectivenessVSAvoidspace required for bent tube or spout

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

Instead of bending the passage to close it, the invention inverts the approach by keeping the passage straight and using a cover member that twists the spout itself to block the liquid flow. The spout is twisted in the direction of its spiral groove to close the passage, rather than bending the passage to create a closure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

Solution Approach 2:

The invention changes the parameter of the spout from a straight configuration to a twisted configuration to achieve closure. By twisting the spout along its spiral groove direction, the liquid passage is blocked without requiring additional space for bent components.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Reliability

If the liquid passage is blocked by misaligning an upper portion with a lower portion, then the liquid passage can be closed, but the structure becomes complicated due to the misalignment mechanism

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveliquid passage blocking effectivenessVSAvoidstructure complexity of misalignment mechanism

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Instead of misaligning portions of the passage to close it, the invention inverts the approach by maintaining proper alignment of the passage and using a twisted spout configuration to block the liquid flow. This eliminates the need for complex misalignment mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

Solution Approach 2:

The invention extracts the closure function from the passage structure itself and transfers it to the spout component. The spout is designed with a spiral groove that, when twisted, creates the closure effect independently of the passage alignment, simplifying the overall structure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

3Device complexity

If a twistable spout unit mechanism is used to close the liquid passage, then the structure becomes simpler and space-efficient, but a new mechanism (twistable spout with guiding unit) must be implemented

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestructure simplicityVSAvoidmanufacturing complexity of twistable mechanism

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The spout is designed as a flexible component with a spiral groove that can be twisted to change its configuration. This flexibility allows the spout to be twisted in the direction of the spiral groove to close the liquid passage, providing a simple yet effective closure mechanism that is relatively easy to manufacture.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

Solution Approach 2:

The spout is designed as a dynamic component that can change its configuration from straight to twisted based on the operational state. The guiding unit enables this dynamic transformation by providing rotational guidance, allowing the spout to twist and untwist as needed for opening and closing the liquid passage.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

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 space-saving and simple structure for closing and opening the liquid passage, preventing undesired outflow while allowing convenient switching between closed and open positions without additional space requirements.

Implementation Method 1

utilizing an elastic material for the spout unit to facilitate easy switching

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentUS10059491B2Lid with twistable spout unit and container assembly comprising the same

Publication Date: 2018.08.28 AEGIS GLOBAL RESOURCES HK

AI summary

The present invention provides a lid connected to a container, comprising a lid body adapted to be removably attached to the opening of the container, a spout unit comprising a spout and a passage in fluid communication with the spout and with the opening of the container, and a cover member 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.