Low-Profile Container Anchor With Directional Vacuum Release
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing container designs fail to effectively prevent tipping and subsequent spillage for various types of containers holding liquids, semi-liquids, solids, or semi-solids, especially when subjected to side loads, and require unusual manipulation for re-seating after being lifted for drinking.
Innovation Solution
A self-anchoring, low-profile container anchor with directional release and attachment capability, comprising a base member and a movable member that forms a controlled pressure zone through a seal member and valve seat, allowing the container to remain affixed to a surface until lifted vertically, at which point it releases without resistance, and re-seats without additional manipulation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If a container anchor uses a seal member to form an airtight seal with the reference surface to prevent tipping, then the container's stability against side loads is improved, but the device complexity increases due to the need for valve seats, sealing valves, and controlled pressure zones
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements nesting by placing the movable member inside the base member, and the seal member inside the movable member. The sealing valve is nested within the controlled pressure zone. This nested arrangement allows multiple functional components to be integrated within a compact footprint, reducing overall device complexity while maintaining the anti-tipping functionality through the sealed pressure zone.
Solution Approach 2:
The anchor is segmented into distinct functional components: a base member for structural support, a movable member for detecting lifting motion, a seal member for creating the pressure zone, and a sealing valve for controlling pressure release. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently and simplifies the overall design by assigning specific functions to discrete elements rather than requiring a monolithic complex structure.
2Stability of the object's composition
If the movable member is designed to tilt a predetermined distance without releasing the seal, then the container's resistance to tipping is improved, but the ease of operation deteriorates because unusual manipulation is required for re-seating
Solution Approach 1:
The movable member is designed with dynamic characteristics that allow it to tilt a predetermined distance while maintaining the seal, and then automatically return to its original position when released. This dynamic behavior enables the container to resist tipping during normal use while automatically resetting after being lifted, eliminating the need for unusual manipulation to re-seat the container and improving ease of operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The movable member is configured to automatically return to its initial sealed position after tilting, without requiring external intervention or unusual manipulation. When the container is lifted or tilted, the movable member tilts with it maintaining the seal, and upon release, it self-returns to its original position, re-establishing the sealed state automatically. This self-service mechanism resolves the contradiction by maintaining anti-tipping resistance while eliminating complex re-seating operations.
3Stability of the object's composition
If the sealing valve is connected to lift off the valve seat only after the movable member rises past a predetermined distance, then the container remains stable during normal tilting, but the productivity decreases due to the additional distance requirement before release
Solution Approach 1:
The sealing valve is preliminarily configured to remain seated and maintain the seal during normal tilting operations, preventing premature release. The valve is designed to lift off only after the movable member has risen past a predetermined distance, which corresponds to actual lifting rather than tilting. This preliminary anti-action ensures stability during normal use while enabling efficient release when the container is genuinely lifted, resolving the contradiction between stability and lifting efficiency.
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 effectively prevents tipping and spillage by maintaining a partial vacuum that resists side loads while allowing effortless vertical lifting and re-seating, ensuring containers remain stable on surfaces without discernible resistance.
Implementation Method 1
A seal member is disposed on a lower side of the base member interior structure. The seal member has a lower side configured to engage an external reference surface and form a substantially airtight seal therewith that defines a periphery of a controlled pressure zone between the seal member and the reference surface.
Implementation Method 2
When the sealing valve is lifted from the valve seat due to the movable member being raised past the first predetermined distance, the controlled pressure zone is vented to atmospheric pressure. On the other hand, the controlled pressure zone is maintained when the movable member is tilted the second predetermined distance.
Implementation Method 3
When the sealing valve is lifted from the valve seat due to the movable member being raised past the first predetermined distance, the controlled pressure zone is vented to atmospheric pressure.
Data Source
AI summary
A self-anchoring, low profile container anchor with directional release and attachment capability comprises a lower base member, an upper movable member adapted for attachment to a container, and a seal member on the base member. The seal member is configured to engage an external reference surface and form a substantially airtight seal therewith that defines a periphery of a controlled pressure zone. A sealing valve disposed on a valve seat is operably connected to the movable member for lifting off the valve seat and vent the controlled pressure zone when the movable member is raised a first predetermined distance. However, the movable member can tilt a second predetermined tilting distance without the sealing valve lifting off the valve seat, thus providing tilt resistance.