Universal Container Fitting with Partitioned Aperture
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional container fittings are limited in their ability to be universally mounted on containers with varying mouth diameters and thread sizes, often leading to issues with leakages and accessibility, especially when using standard disposable straws.
Innovation Solution
A container fitting with a tubular body featuring a partition that divides it into regions with different threading and diameters, allowing for secure mounting on containers with different sizes, and incorporating a leak-resistant aperture for standard disposable straws, along with features like knurls and conical nodes for secure engagement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a dedicated fitting/cap is used for a specific container mouth opening, then the fitting provides a secure seal and prevents leakage, but it cannot be used with containers of different mouth opening diameters or thread sizes
Solution Approach 1:
The fitting is designed with multiple threaded openings of different diameters (first opening with larger diameter, second opening with smaller diameter) within a single structure, allowing it to be universally mounted on containers with varying mouth diameters and thread sizes. This multi-functional design enables one fitting to serve multiple container types without compromising the sealed connection capability.
2Ease of operation
If the container is left open for easy drink accessibility, then the user can easily access the liquid, but the container may spill or empty catastrophically if tipped or inverted
Solution Approach 1:
A partition with a leak-resistant aperture serves as an intermediary element between the container interior and the fitting opening. This aperture is sized to permit passage of a standard disposable straw while preventing liquid leakage when the container is tipped or inverted. The aperture acts as a controlled passage that allows intentional access via straw but blocks uncontrolled flow due to surface tension and geometry.
3Reliability
If a non-disposable nipple is used to prevent spilling, then spilling is prevented, but it becomes difficult to keep the nipple clean for repeated use
Solution Approach 1:
The fitting is designed to work with disposable straws rather than requiring a reusable nipple component. The leak-resistant aperture in the partition accommodates standard disposable straws, eliminating the need for a separate reusable nipple that would require cleaning. The disposable nature of the straw simplifies hygiene while the permanent fitting structure provides the spill prevention function.
4Reliability
If a threaded fitting with resealable nozzle is used, then the nozzle can be opened for pouring and closed to prevent spilling, but it requires manual operation and may not seal properly
Solution Approach 1:
The partition with leak-resistant aperture provides passive spill prevention without requiring manual operation. The aperture's geometry and the interaction with the disposable straw create a self-sealing effect when the straw is removed, and a controlled opening when the straw is inserted. This eliminates the need for manual opening/closing actions while maintaining reliable seal capability through the structural design of the aperture and partition.
Data Source
AI summary
A fitting for affixing to a mouth of a receiving container comprises a tubular body having a closed top end, a bottom end and a side wall extending between the closed top and bottom ends and having an inner surface and an outer surface. The inner surface includes a circumferential surface wherein the circumferential surface includes a plurality of inwardly extending, randomly placed nodes to engage an external surface of the mouth of the receiving container. A plug seal extending from the closed top end is spaced apart from circumferential surface to form a land area seal. The closed top end may further include an aperture adapted to permit passage of a straw therethrough.