Bucket Funnel With Conical Nozzle For Viscous Fluid Control
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing dispensing systems, such as the Allway pouring spout, are ineffective for transferring viscous fluids like caulking as a continuous steady stream due to variable flow rates and lack of control, caused by the wide open top lip and tipping angle sensitivity.
Innovation Solution
A bucket funnel system with a conical nozzle and a funnel body that forms a liquid-tight seal with the bucket, providing a stable flow rate through the nozzle opening, which is determined by the fluid properties and nozzle geometry, ensuring a uniform and well-directed bead deposition.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If a wide open top lip is used for dispensing, then the opening is simple and easy to manufacture, but the flow rate becomes highly variable and the stream swings from side to side
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the geometric parameters of the dispensing opening from a wide open lip to a controlled nozzle opening with specific diameter (e.g., 3mm) and angle (e.g., 45 degrees). This parameter change stabilizes the flow rate and eliminates stream swinging while maintaining manufacturing feasibility through standard nozzle fabrication processes.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary component (the nozzle) between the container and the dispensing point. This nozzle acts as a flow control element that regulates the fluid stream, preventing direct contact between the wide container opening and the deposited bead, thereby stabilizing the flow while keeping the overall structure simple.
2Speed
If the container is tipped at an angle to pour fluid, then gravity assists the flow, but small changes in tipping angle cause large changes in flow rate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical tipping angle control system with a flow control valve mechanism. Instead of relying on gravitational force variations from tipping, the user directly controls flow rate through the valve, which mechanically regulates fluid passage independent of container orientation. This substitution provides precise flow control while maintaining easy operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a dynamic flow control valve that can be adjusted during operation to maintain constant flow rate regardless of tipping angle changes. The valve's movable components allow real-time adjustment of opening size, compensating for variations in gravitational force and ensuring consistent flow control throughout the dispensing process.
3Reliability
If a conical nozzle with small opening is used, then the flow rate becomes stable and well-directed, but the nozzle geometry becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the nozzle into distinct functional zones: a conical section for flow stabilization, a cylindrical section for directional control, and a threaded section for mounting. This segmentation allows each zone to perform its specific function efficiently while keeping the overall design modular and manufacturable through standard machining operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs smooth curved transitions in the conical nozzle sections rather than sharp angular changes. The gradual curvature of the conical surfaces promotes laminar flow and reduces turbulence, achieving stable flow rates while maintaining geometric simplicity that is easy to manufacture using standard forming or machining processes.
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 bucket funnel system achieves a stable and uniform flow of fluids, regardless of changes in the head pressure, resulting in a consistent bead deposition on the surface below, even with viscous materials like caulking.
Implementation Method 1
an inner apron to form a liquid tight seal with the inner wall of the bucket
Implementation Method 2
The nozzle is conical with a small opening at its apex. When the bucket is inclined at a tipping angle, fluid in the bucket flows into the funnel body and into the nozzle. The rate of flow out of the nozzle is determined by the properties of the fluid, the configuration of the nozzle, the nozzle opening geometry and the head developed in the bucket funnel.
Implementation Method 3
When the bucket is inclined at a tipping angle, fluid in the bucket flows into the funnel body and into the nozzle
Data Source
AI summary
A bucket funnel has a funnel body which clips onto a bucket with a top flange. The funnel body has a semicircular lower edge which has about the same radius of curvature as the bucket, but only extends about halfway around. There are outer tabs with inward facing channels at the ends of the lower edge of the funnel body to clip into the flange of the bucket. There is also a spring loaded release clip at about the middle of the lower edge to clip onto the outer flange of the bucket. An inner apron extends down from the lower edge of the funnel body to form a seal against the inner wall of the bucket. An interchangeable conical nozzle attaches to the funnel body for dispensing of fluids of various viscosities, such as glue, paint or fresh concrete.