Vacuum Flask Lid Locking for One-Handed Secure Pouring

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing vacuum jugs face challenges with complex assembly and disassembly processes, particularly requiring two hands and multiple steps to secure or remove the lid, which can lead to unintentional opening and increased assembly complexity.

Innovation Solution

A vacuum jug design featuring flexible spring bars on the lid that can be easily locked onto the container with one-handed operation, eliminating the need for bayonet catches or unscrewing, allowing for simple placement and secure locking, and enabling easy removal with a single hand using an actuating section.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If the lid is secured using bayonet catch or unscrewing mechanism, then the lid is firmly fixed to the container, but the assembly and disassembly process becomes complex and requires multiple steps

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvelid fixation reliabilityVSAvoidassembly complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The lid assembly is segmented into modular components: an upper lid portion with pouring spout, a lower lid portion with locking mechanism, and a separate gasket. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently and simplifies the overall assembly process while maintaining secure fixation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The locking function is extracted from the lid body and implemented through separate flexible spring bars that engage with locking projections on the container. This separation allows the lid to be securely locked without requiring complex integrated mechanisms, and enables easy release by simply pressing the spring bars.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

2Reliability

If the lid is secured using bayonet catch or unscrewing mechanism, then the lid is firmly fixed to the container, but the operation requires two hands and multiple steps

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvelid fixation reliabilityVSAvoidoperation ease
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The flexible spring bars are designed to be automatically engaged when the lid is placed on the container, and can be easily disengaged by a simple pressing motion. The spring-loaded mechanism provides self-locking functionality that ensures secure fixation without requiring complex manual operations, and the actuating sections allow one-handed operation for both assembly and disassembly.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

3Stability of the object's composition

If the lid is secured using additional connecting elements, then the lid assembly becomes more stable, but the overall assembly complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvelid assembly stabilityVSAvoidassembly complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The lid portions are merged with integrated sealing elements and locking mechanisms. The gasket is integrated into the lid structure, and the spring bars are positioned to simultaneously provide both sealing and locking functions. This merging reduces the number of separate components and simplifies assembly while maintaining stability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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

Facilitates easy and secure assembly and disassembly of the lid, reducing the risk of unintentional opening and simplifying handling, while ensuring a tight seal for temperature retention and efficient pouring.

Implementation Method 1

The lid (6) has an upper part (20) which can be latched onto the container (4). For this purpose, locking means in the form of spring bars (22) are provided on opposite sides

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Implementation Method 2

The container (4) comprises an insulating glass body (16) in which an interior (15) is provided for receiving liquid

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectVacuum insulation: Vacuum

Data Source

PatentEP3122218B1Vacuum flask
Publication Date: 2018.05.09 MELITTA EUROPA
  • EP3122218B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3122218B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3122218B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The invention relates to a vacuum flask comprising a container (4) that has, on the upper side, an opening (10) on which a lid (6) is held, said lid closing the opening (10) when in a closed position and being able to be at least partially moved by means of an actuation element (31) in order to partially release said opening (10) such that liquid can be poured out, the lid (6) being able to be placed on a receiving portion of the container (4) and being held in the closed position by means of detent means (22).