Dispensing fluids from drinking containers
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Solution Overview
Problem
Drinking containers designed for young children often require pausing suction to equalize pressure, causing frustration, as they lack effective pressure relief mechanisms.
Innovation Solution
A fluid dispenser with a flexible spout and lid configuration that includes a pressure relief valve, allowing air to enter the container without pausing suction by using a flange and ridge mechanism to equalize pressure, and a dome-shaped end piece that opens wider when compressed to facilitate fluid flow.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a traditional drinking container is used without a pressure relief mechanism, then the container structure is simple, but the child must pause suction to equalize pressure causing frustration
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the pressure equalization function from the main drinking path by providing a separate vent channel through the lid. This allows air to enter the container independently of the suction path, eliminating the need to pause drinking to equalize pressure.
Solution Approach 2:
The lid acts as an intermediary component that mediates between the internal container pressure and external atmospheric pressure. It provides a controlled path for pressure equalization while maintaining the fluid-tight seal during normal drinking operation.
2Reliability
If a vent hole is provided in the lid for pressure equalization, then pressure can be equalized during suction, but fluid may leak through the same hole
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the pressure equalization function and fluid delivery function into separate paths. The vent channel provides pressure equalization while the spout delivers fluid, eliminating the conflict between these two functions that would cause leakage.
Solution Approach 2:
The lid has different regions with different properties: a vent channel region that allows air flow for pressure equalization, and a spout region that maintains a fluid-tight seal for drinking. Each region is optimized for its specific function.
3Object-generated harmful factors
If a fluid-tight seal is maintained between the spout and lid, then no fluid leaks, but air cannot enter to equalize pressure during suction
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the lid into functionally separate regions: a vent channel that allows air entry for pressure equalization, and a spout opening that maintains fluid-tight sealing. This segmentation resolves the contradiction between sealing and venting.
Solution Approach 2:
The pressure equalization function is extracted from the spout-path and placed in a separate vent channel through the lid. This allows the spout to maintain its fluid-tight seal while the vent channel handles pressure equalization independently.
4Adaptability or versatility
If the spout is made flexible to facilitate folding, then the spout can be compressed and folded for storage, but the sealing reliability may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The spout is made from flexible material that can be compressed and folded for storage while maintaining its sealing capability. The flexibility allows the spout to deform without compromising the seal between the spout and lid during normal use.
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
Enables continuous fluid dispensing without the need for children to pause suction, providing a comfortable and efficient drinking experience by maintaining a fluid-tight seal and equalizing pressure internally with external atmospheric pressure.
Implementation Method 1
a flange and ridge mechanism to equalize pressure, and a dome-shaped end piece that opens wider when compressed to facilitate fluid flow
Implementation Method 2
a dome-shaped end piece that opens wider when compressed to facilitate fluid flow
Implementation Method 3
a second sealing element configured to cooperate with the first sealing element of the lid to form a fluid-tight seal between the flexible fluid delivery component and the lid
Data Source
AI summary
A fluid dispenser includes a lid that defines an opening and that includes a first sealing element. The fluid dispenser further includes a flexible fluid delivery component that defines an interior fluid channel. The flexible fluid delivery component includes a second sealing element configured to cooperate with the first sealing element of the lid to form a fluid-tight seal between the flexible fluid delivery component and the lid and a valve element configured to cooperate with the opening in the lid to regulate an airflow through the opening in the lid.