Collapsible Automotive Fluid Collector With Integrated Storage

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods for automotive fluid collection and disposal are messy, inconvenient, environmentally unfriendly, require significant storage space, and are difficult to transport due to the use of bulky, rigid oil drain pans and specialized, expensive systems.

Innovation Solution

A flexible, collapsible fluid collection and storage device comprising a fluid storage container made of nonporous material that expands with liquid addition, connected via a tubular member to a fluid collection container, allowing for compact transport and storage, and featuring a self-expanding design to minimize spills and environmental contamination.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If rigid oil drain pans are used for fluid collection, then fluid collection capability is improved, but portability and storage space are worsened due to bulky and cumbersome design

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefluid collection capabilityVSAvoidportability

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The drain pan is designed with a collapsible structure that transitions from an expanded configuration during fluid collection to a collapsed configuration for storage and transport. This dynamic transformation allows the pan to maintain structural integrity and collection capability when needed, while minimizing space and improving portability when not in use.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The drain pan incorporates flexible materials and thin-walled construction that enable collapsibility while maintaining fluid containment. The flexible shell structure allows the pan to be compressed and folded without compromising its ability to collect and hold automotive fluids, directly resolving the contradiction between collection reliability and portability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

2Reliability

If rigid oil drain pans are used for fluid collection, then fluid collection capability is improved, but storage space requirement increases due to inability to collapse or fold

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefluid collection capabilityVSAvoidstorage space

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The collapsible design allows the drain pan to be nested or folded into a compact form that occupies minimal storage space. When collapsed, the pan can be stored in small spaces such as under vehicle seats or in small toolboxes, effectively reducing the volume requirement while preserving full collection capability when deployed.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

3Reliability

If rigid oil drain pans are used for fluid collection, then fluid collection capability is improved, but risk of spills and leaks during transportation increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefluid collection capabilityVSAvoidspill and leak risk

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The collapsible design inherently provides cushioning and shock absorption capabilities. When the pan is collapsed or compressed during transport, the flexible walls absorb impacts and movements that would otherwise cause rigid pans to tip, crack, or leak. This prior cushioning effect protects the contained fluids from harmful movements during transportation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

Solution Approach 2:

The flexible material construction allows the pan walls to flex and absorb shocks during transport, preventing the kind of rigid impact failures that lead to spills and leaks. The flexible shell can deform to accommodate movements and impacts, then return to its original shape, maintaining containment integrity throughout transportation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

4Object-generated harmful factors

If specialized valve and container systems are used for fluid collection, then mess reduction is improved, but device complexity and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemess reductionVSAvoidsystem complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-generated harmful factorsVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The drain pan is designed as a universal, multi-functional tool that can collect various automotive fluids (engine oil, transmission fluid, brake fluid, coolant) without requiring specialized components for each fluid type. The simple collapsible pan design eliminates the need for complex valve systems while still providing clean, controlled collection through its basic but effective geometry and flexible containment.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentUS20250389384A1Device for collecting and storing automotive fluids

Publication Date: 2025.12.25 TRADECO PACIFIC INC

AI summary

A device for collecting and storing fluid includes a fluid collection container having a bottom surface with a drain opening, sidewalls, and an open top. The device also includes a tubular member having a proximal end that includes a fluid inlet, a proximal section, a distal section, a distal end, an outer diameter, and a plurality of sidewall outlet openings in the distal section. The device further includes a fluid storage container having an interior surface, an exterior surface, an inlet opening, and an interior receptacle fixedly coupled to the interior surface. The interior receptacle is configured for coupling with the distal end of the tubular member and is aligned with the inlet opening so that the tubular member, when coupled to the interior receptacle, protrudes out of the inlet opening. The inlet opening has an inner diameter that is larger than the outer diameter of the tubular member.