Adjustable Oil Drain Pan Funnel for Spill-Free Waste Oil Collection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fluid collection containers for waste oil from engine crankcases often suffer from instability and splashing due to the weight of the oil and fixed extension tubes, which hinder optimal placement and lead to spillage, especially when the crankcase is positioned at a higher height.
Innovation Solution
A container assembly with a hollow support trunk and a fluid collection system featuring a rotationally adjustable funnel and extension tubes, allowing for multi-axis adjustment and 360° rotation to ensure stable and efficient collection of fluids without repositioning the container.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If a fixed funnel is directly coupled to a flexible container, then the funnel provides structural support, but the container deforms under oil weight causing the funnel to tilt and spill
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the funnel support function into separate components: a rigid funnel support component with extension tube that can be positioned independently, and a rigid container body that provides stable mounting. This segmentation allows the funnel support structure to maintain rigidity while the container provides stable support, preventing deformation and tilting.
Solution Approach 2:
A rigid container body serves as an intermediary between the ground and the funnel support component. This rigid intermediary prevents the deformation that would occur with a flexible container, providing a stable base that maintains funnel alignment and prevents spillage.
2Ease of manufacture
If fixed length extension tubes are used, then the structure is simple, but optimal placement of the funnel relative to the engine crankcase cannot be achieved
Solution Approach 1:
The extension tube is made adjustable in length and position, allowing it to be configured dynamically to match different crankcase heights and positions. This dynamic adjustability enables optimal funnel placement for various engine configurations while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The extension tube parameters (length, position, angle) can be changed to adapt to different installation scenarios. This parameter adjustability allows the same basic structure to serve multiple purposes and accommodate various crankcase configurations.
3Quantity of substance
If the container is repositioned to collect oil beneath the oil filter location, then additional oil can be caught, but the waste oil may splash and spill
Solution Approach 1:
The adjustable funnel support system provides multi-functionality by enabling the funnel to be positioned for collecting oil from multiple locations (crankcase and oil filter). This eliminates the need to reposition the entire container, allowing continuous oil collection from different sources without causing splashing or spillage.
4Stability of the object's composition
If the crankcase is positioned at increased height, then the container can be placed on stable ground, but the risk of splashing and spillage increases
Solution Approach 1:
The rigid funnel support component provides localized structural quality at the funnel and extension tube, ensuring stability and preventing splashing at the critical oil collection point. This local rigidity compensates for the increased height and maintains stable oil collection even when the container is positioned on stable ground away from the engine.
Data Source
AI summary
A container assembly for receiving and storing a fluid includes a hollow container body and a hollow support trunk. The container body has an internal chamber for receiving and storing a fluid. The container body includes a front wall and an opposing back wall at least partially defining the internal chamber. The front wall includes an opening therethrough to allow the fluid to be received in the internal chamber. The support trunk is coupled to the opening in the front wall. The support trunk extends through the internal chamber and includes a distal end engaging the back wall. The support trunk provides support to the front wall and channels the fluid from the opening to the internal chamber.