Fluid Container Catchment Surface for Spill-Controlled Filling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing containers for fluids are inconvenient to fill, unstable to carry, and difficult to control when pouring, as they often require additional equipment or have unstable designs.
Innovation Solution
A container with a catchment surface for collecting fluid in a prone position and a handle for moving it to a carrying position, where the inlet is elevated above the fluid, and an outlet that resists fluid flow during filling and pouring, allowing for efficient collection and pouring without spilling.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the container is designed with a catchment surface for collecting fluid in prone position, then the ease of filling is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the catchment surface, inlet, and container body into a single integrated structure. The catchment surface is formed as part of the container exterior, and the inlet is positioned within the container wall, eliminating the need for separate filling equipment like funnels or hoses.
Solution Approach 2:
The container is designed to collect fluid autonomously when placed in prone position. The catchment surface automatically directs fluid toward the inlet through gravity and surface geometry, without requiring external assistance or additional操作步骤.
2Reliability
If the inlet is positioned elevated above the collected fluid, then spilling is reduced, but the manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The inlet is positioned at an elevated location relative to the fluid collection area, creating a height difference that prevents fluid from reaching the inlet during normal operation. This positional design ensures that the inlet remains above the fluid level, eliminating spilling without requiring complex active control mechanisms.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the container is designed to be moveable from prone to carrying condition, then the versatility is improved, but the stability during carrying deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The container is designed with a handle that enables easy transition between prone and carrying positions. The handle is positioned to provide leverage for lifting and moving the container, allowing users to switch between collection mode (prone) and transport mode (carrying) as needed.
4Ease of operation
If the outlet is configured to resist fluid flow during filling and pouring, then the control during pouring is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The outlet is pre-configured with a specific geometry that inherently resists fluid flow during filling operations. The outlet design includes features such as positioning and internal structure that automatically control fluid flow behavior without requiring external control mechanisms during the filling phase.
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 container allows for easy filling, stable carrying, and controlled pouring, reducing the need for additional equipment and enhancing user convenience by directing fluid flow and maintaining fluid containment during different orientations.
Implementation Method 1
a catchment surface for draining the fluid from an exterior of the container into the container through the inlet to collect the fluid when the container is in a prone condition
Data Source
AI summary
A container for fluid which includes: an inlet; and a catchment surface for draining the fluid from an exterior of the container into the container through the inlet when the container is in a prone condition, wherein the container is moveable from the prone condition to a carrying condition, and wherein the inlet is positioned so as to be elevated above a contained fluid when the container is in either the prone condition or the carrying condition. The container can include a collecting wall, wherein the collecting wall includes a flow obstacle for slowing a flow of the fluid on the exterior of the container. The flow obstacle can be provided by ribs on the catchment surface. The container can include an outlet adapted to substantially resist fluid flow when in the prone condition, and adapted to allow fluid flow when in a pouring condition for draining the fluid from the container.