Elastic Loop Support Structure for Collapsible Flask Rigidity
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Solution Overview
Problem
Collapsible water bottles and flasks lack sufficient rigidity, making them difficult to insert into running vests or clothing pockets when fluid is removed, and existing solutions like filling with air are hazardous or insufficient.
Innovation Solution
A flexible structure comprising elastically movable loops and rings made of pliable materials, which can be inserted into or attached to collapsible flasks to provide rigidity, allowing easy insertion and removal for use as needed.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If collapsible flasks are made soft and pliable for easy storage, then they become lightweight and easily packed, but they lose rigidity and become difficult to insert into pockets when fluid is removed
Solution Approach 1:
The support structure is divided into multiple segments including a bottom support portion, side support portions, and a neck support portion. These segmented elements work together to provide distributed rigidity throughout the flask body, enabling the flask to maintain its shape during insertion while remaining collapsible for storage when not in use.
Solution Approach 2:
The support structure utilizes elastic members that can dynamically adapt between a compressed state during insertion/removal operations and an expanded state when providing structural support. This dynamic behavior allows the same structure to facilitate both easy insertion and maintain rigidity when needed.
2Ease of operation
If air is blown into the flask to add rigidity, then the flask becomes easier to insert, but this creates safety hazards during running when respiration is necessary
Solution Approach 1:
The support structure is self-contained and does not require external intervention (such as blowing air) to provide rigidity. The elastic members automatically provide structural support when the flask is in its normal operational state, eliminating the need for users to perform potentially hazardous actions during exercise.
Solution Approach 2:
The support structure acts as an intermediary element between the collapsible flask body and the user's need for rigidity. Instead of requiring the user to introduce air directly into the flask, the support structure provides the necessary structural support as a mediator, eliminating the safety hazard while maintaining the desired functionality.
3Ease of operation
If the flask is made completely rigid for easy insertion, then insertion becomes easy, but the flask loses its collapsible nature and cannot be easily packed away
Solution Approach 1:
Rigidity is applied locally only where needed for insertion (at the bottom, sides, and neck of the flask) rather than making the entire flask rigid. The support structure provides targeted structural reinforcement in specific regions while allowing the rest of the flask body to remain soft and collapsible for easy storage.
4Strength
If the support structure is made rigid for structural support, then rigidity is provided, but the support structure cannot be easily inserted through the flask opening
Solution Approach 1:
The support structure utilizes elastic members that can dynamically change their state between compressed (for insertion) and expanded (for providing structural support). This dynamic behavior allows the same structure to facilitate easy insertion while maintaining the necessary rigidity when in place.
Solution Approach 2:
The physical parameters of the support structure (specifically its dimensions and rigidity) are changed during the insertion process. The elastic members are compressed to reduce their size for passing through the opening, then expand to their original dimensions to provide the necessary structural support, effectively changing the rigidity parameter from low during insertion to high during support.
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 flexible structure effectively adds rigidity to collapsible flasks and bottles, enabling easy insertion into pockets without deformation, while being safe and adjustable for various sizes and shapes.
Implementation Method 1
a first loop made of an elastically flexible material and a second loop made of an elastically flexible material... The first loop and the second loop, together, may be elastically movable between a compressed configuration and an expanded configuration
Data Source
AI summary
A flexible structure may be configured to expand a collapsible flask. The flexible structure may include a first loop made of an elastically flexible material and a second loop made of an elastically flexible material. The first loop and the second loop may be operatively coupled together at a first intersection and a second intersection. The first loop and the second loop, together, may be elastically movable between a compressed configuration in which the first loop and the second loop are sufficiently narrow to fit through an opening of the collapsible flask, and an expanded configuration in which the first loop and the second loop are not sufficiently narrow to fit through the opening.