Collapsible Fluid Reservoir With Biasing for Sloshing Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fluid containers used during physical activities tend to slosh, causing distraction and asymmetrical weight distribution, which interferes with athletic performance.
Innovation Solution
A reservoir-based apparatus with a valve and biasing mechanism that contracts to control fluid egress, maintaining a consistent volume and minimizing sloshing, using springs or pneumatic assemblies to exert force on the reservoir.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If the mass of the container is increased to suppress variation in the center of mass, then the stability is improved, but the weight of the article increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a biasing mechanism that dynamically adjusts the reservoir volume to compensate for fluid consumption. As fluid is consumed, the biasing mechanism contracts the reservoir, maintaining a consistent center of mass position throughout the fluid delivery process, thereby achieving stability without increasing container weight.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the volume parameter of the reservoir dynamically through the biasing mechanism. By continuously adjusting the reservoir volume to match remaining fluid volume, the system maintains optimal center of mass stability throughout fluid consumption, avoiding the need for increased container mass.
2Stability of the object's composition
If multiple small containers are used to prevent sloshing, then the stability is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention segments the fluid containment function into two components: a rigid outer body that provides structural stability and a collapsible inner reservoir that contains the fluid. This segmentation allows the fluid-containing portion to contract smoothly without sloshing, while the rigid body maintains overall structural integrity, avoiding the complexity of multiple separate containers.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the rigid structural support function with the fluid containment function into a single integrated apparatus. The rigid body houses both the collapsible reservoir and the biasing mechanism, combining multiple functions into one device rather than requiring multiple separate containers.
3Quantity of substance
If multiple containers are distributed asymmetrically, then the fluid delivery capacity is improved, but the weight distribution becomes asymmetric
Solution Approach 1:
The biasing mechanism dynamically adjusts the reservoir volume to maintain balanced weight distribution as fluid is consumed. This dynamic adjustment ensures that the center of mass remains centered within the rigid body throughout the entire fluid delivery process, even as the quantity of fluid decreases.
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
Suppresses fluid sloshing and maintains balanced weight distribution, enhancing athletic performance by ensuring consistent fluid delivery without increasing overall weight or asymmetrical carrying.
Implementation Method 1
exertion of force upon the reservoir causes the fluid to exit the reservoir through the valve when the valve is in the open state. Additionally, exertion of force upon the reservoir causes the volume of the reservoir to diminish as the fluid exits the reservoir
Data Source
AI summary
Herein is disclosed an apparatus and method for delivering a fluid to an individual in such a manner that sloshing of the fluid is substantially suppressed, even when the fluid has been only partially consumed. The apparatus includes a reservoir for containing the fluid and a valve in fluid communication with the reservoir. A biasing mechanism exerts a force upon the reservoir, causing it to contract and force fluid through the valve, when the valve is opened. The biasing mechanism and reservoir are housed within a body, according to some embodiments.