Flexible Pour Spout Geometry for Adjustable Flow Control
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional pour spouts offer only a single volumetric flow rate, failing to provide control or adjustment, which is beneficial for beverages or liquid food toppings.
Innovation Solution
A flexible pour spout with a proximal portion forming a water-tight seal and a distal portion with bends that allow users to control and adjust the flow rate by applying pressure, enabling precise pouring and preventing spills.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If traditional rigid pour spouts are used, then the structure is simple and easy to manufacture, but the volumetric flow rate cannot be controlled or adjusted
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by making the spout structure flexible rather than rigid, allowing it to deform under pressure. The flexible material enables the spout to change its shape and opening size dynamically, providing variable volumetric flow rates while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the physical parameter of the spout from rigid to flexible, which fundamentally alters how flow control is achieved. This parameter change allows the spout to adapt its opening size and shape in response to applied pressure, enabling flow rate adjustment without complex mechanical components.
2Adaptability or versatility
If traditional uniform pour spouts are used, then the manufacturing process is simple, but only a single volumetric flow rate is provided
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs flexible shells and thin films by constructing the spout from a flexible material that can deform under pressure. This flexible structure enables variable flow rates through simple pressure application, while the spout can still be manufactured using standard fabrication processes for flexible materials.
3Ease of operation
If no pressure control mechanism is used, then the device is simple to operate, but precise pouring and spill prevention is difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies self-service by allowing the user to directly control the flow rate through simple pressure application to the flexible spout. The flexible material automatically responds to the applied pressure by adjusting its opening size, providing intuitive and precise flow control without requiring complex mechanical controls.
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 precise control over liquid flow, prevents spills, and allows for consistent portion control, while reducing contamination and enhancing flavor through aeration.
Implementation Method 1
A flexible pour spout to be used in connection with a container for holding a liquid. The flexible pour spout enables a user to control and adjust the volumetric flow rate of a liquid when dispensing the liquid from the container through a gravity-fed dispensing configuration.
Data Source
AI summary
A flexible pour spout for controlling a flow of fluid. A pour spout includes a proximal portion configured to be inserted into an opening of a container and a distal portion configured to extend outside the container when the proximal portion is inserted into the opening of the container. The proximal portion includes a first sidewall defining a first internal cavity and a collar attached to an external side of the first sidewall. The distal portion includes a second sidewall defining a second internal cavity and a terminal opening located at a distal end of the second sidewall. The second sidewall comprises a bend such that at least a portion of the second sidewall collapses along the bend to reduce a size of the terminal opening in response to applying a pressure to the second sidewall.