Acute-Angle Rack for Draining Viscous Liquids
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing technologies face challenges in efficiently draining viscous liquids from large numbers of containers, particularly in large-scale manufacturing scenarios, due to the high viscosity of the liquids, which requires substantial time and effort to drain completely.
Innovation Solution
A drainage system comprising a collection tote, a funnel, and a rack with horizontally extending support bars and tabs at an acute angle, allowing containers to be placed in an inverted position for efficient drainage, along with a cap removal tool for expediting the process.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If traditional draining methods are used for viscous liquids, then complete drainage is difficult to achieve, but the patent introduces a rack system with tabs that position containers at specific angles to improve drainage efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The rack system inverts the conventional draining approach by positioning containers at a specific angle (approximately 45 degrees) rather than completely upright or horizontal. This inverted positioning allows viscous liquids to drain more effectively under gravity while the container remains stable on the tabs
Solution Approach 2:
The draining system segments the drainage process by using multiple racks with multiple tabs, allowing simultaneous drainage of multiple containers. Each tab independently positions a container at the optimal draining angle, enabling parallel processing of many containers
2Productivity
If manual draining of each container is performed, then complete drainage can be achieved, but the process is time-consuming and labor-intensive for large batches
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the batch drainage task into multiple independent units (containers on individual tabs), allowing parallel processing. The rack structure segments the batch into manageable portions that can be drained simultaneously without interfering with each other
Solution Approach 2:
The rack system serves multiple functions: it positions containers at the optimal angle, supports multiple containers simultaneously, facilitates drainage, and enables easy transfer to recycling. This multi-functional design replaces several separate operations with a single integrated system
3Reliability
If containers are drained at non-optimal angles, then drainage is slower for viscous liquids, but simpler positioning methods could be used
Solution Approach 1:
The tabs are designed with specific geometry (length, width, thickness) that automatically positions the container opening at the correct height and angle when the container is placed on the tab. The container self-adjusts to the optimal draining position without requiring complex external positioning mechanisms
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 system enables simultaneous and efficient drainage of viscous liquids from multiple containers, meeting the three drips per minute standard for recycling, thereby reducing waste and increasing operational efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
draining viscous liquid from containers placed in an inverted position on the rack into a collection tote
Data Source
AI summary
A drainage apparatus for draining viscous liquids from containers includes a collection tote and a rack. The rack includes at least one horizontal support bar with a plurality of tabs extending from the horizontal support bar. The plurality of tabs are configured at an acute angle relative to the horizontal support bar to optimize the draining of viscous fluids from a plurality of containers that are placed on the rack. The drainage apparatus is beneficial for draining fluids such as lubricants and coolants from containers so that the fluids can be repurposed and the containers can be recycled.