Sound Device for Beverage Container Using Reed Assembly

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing beverage containers do not effectively utilize pressurized gas to produce a distinct sound when opened, resulting in a typical 'tsish' sound instead of a harmonically pitched sound.

Innovation Solution

A sound-producing beverage container design featuring a reed assembly with a flat reed and a bridge, where the reed vibrates as pressurized gas is directed across it, producing a vibratory sound. The reed assembly includes a substantially flat reed with opposing edges and a bridge with a bulge, allowing air to flow across the reed, causing it to oscillate and produce a harmonically pitched sound.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If a traditional beverage container opening mechanism is used, then the container can be opened easily, but only a typical 'tsish' sound is produced without harmonic pitch

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of openingVSAvoidsound quality
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

A reed assembly is introduced as an intermediary component between the pressurized gas and the external environment. The reed acts as a mediator that converts the chaotic 'tsish' sound of escaping gas into a harmonically pitched sound through controlled vibration, while not interfering with the ease of opening the container

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The reed assembly utilizes mechanical vibration principles by designing a reed that vibrates when struck by pressurized gas. This vibration produces harmonic frequencies, transforming the noise into a pleasant sound while maintaining the simple opening mechanism

Inventive Principle:
Principle #18Mechanical vibration

2Productivity

If pressurized gas is released directly without modification, then the opening process is simple and quick, but the sound produced is unpleasant and lacks harmonic frequency

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveopening speedVSAvoidsound quality
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The reed assembly serves as an intermediary that allows pressurized gas to pass through quickly while simultaneously improving sound quality. The gas flow path is designed to strike the reed and produce harmonic sound without significantly delaying the opening process

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The invention converts the harmful 'tsish' noise of escaping pressurized gas into a beneficial harmonically pitched sound. The pressurized gas that would normally create an unpleasant sound is redirected to vibrate the reed, transforming the noise into a pleasant auditory experience

Inventive Principle:
Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

3Object-generated harmful factors

If a reed assembly is added to produce harmonic sound, then sound quality is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesound qualityVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-generated harmful factorsVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The reed assembly is designed to serve multiple functions: it produces harmonic sound, directs gas flow, and can be integrated into the existing container structure. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional separate components, thereby limiting the increase in device complexity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The reed assembly is merged with the container's existing structure, particularly integrating it with the opening mechanism and gas flow path. By combining multiple functions into a single integrated component rather than adding separate parts, the increase in device complexity is minimized

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

4Object-generated harmful factors

If the reed is positioned to maximize vibration, then sound production is enhanced, but the reed may be damaged by excessive gas pressure

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesound productionVSAvoidreed durability
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-generated harmful factorsVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The reed assembly includes a bridge structure and mounting design that cushion and distribute the force of pressurized gas before it reaches the reed. This protective structure prevents excessive localized stress that could damage the reed, while still allowing sufficient gas flow to produce strong vibrations and enhanced sound

Inventive Principle:
Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

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 efficiently converts the escaping pressurized gas into a distinct, harmonically pitched sound when the container is opened, enhancing the auditory experience by utilizing the reed's vibration to produce a clear and consistent tone.

Implementation Method 1

Sound is produced from a flow of air being directed against a lamella, which periodically interrupts the airflow and causes the air to be set in motion

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectAerophonics: Aerophonics

Implementation Method 2

A portion of the leading edge of the reed is disposed between the container top surface and the bridge. A gas moving along the device surface toward the leading edge of the bridge may be directed toward the leading edge of the reed and across the reed leading edge causing the reed to vibrate, the vibration producing a vibratory sound

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectVibration: Vibration

Data Source

PatentUS11926455B1Sound device for beverage container
Publication Date: 2024.03.12 SCHWIMER KEVIN
  • US11926455B1 patent drawing
  • US11926455B1 patent drawing
  • US11926455B1 patent drawing

AI summary

A sound producing beverage container including a top surface having an opening in the surface initially sealed with a closure. The sound producing beverage container includes a reed assembly mounted to the top surface. The reed assembly includes a substantially flat reed having opposing leading and trailing reed edges. The reed assembly includes a bridge disposed adjacent the reed. The bridge includes opposing leading and trailing bridge edges and a bulge in the bridge along the leading edge of the bridge, the bulge extending away from the reed. A portion of the leading edge of the reed is disposed between the container top surface and the bridge. A gas moving along the device surface toward the leading edge of the bridge may be directed toward the leading edge of the reed and across the reed leading edge causing the reed to vibrate, the vibration producing a vibratory sound.