Flexible Pour Spout Loop Storage and Air Inlet Valve

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Solution Overview

Problem

Prior art flexible pouring spouts and funnels often become contaminated, drip during storage, and experience fluid lock due to air blockage, leading to inefficient fluid flow and potential spills.

Innovation Solution

A flexible pour spout with an internally threaded adapter cap, a sealable air inlet valve, and a configuration that allows it to form a loop for storage, preventing contamination and fluid lock, while the air inlet valve ensures rapid fluid flow by allowing air entry under negative pressure.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If the spout is left open for storage, then it is easy to store, but the interior becomes contaminated with dust and dirt

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of storageVSAvoidcontamination

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The spout is designed to be inserted into itself for storage, with the terminal end fitting into the body of the spout. This nested configuration allows the spout to be compactly stored while protecting the interior surface from contamination by dust and dirt, eliminating the need for separate storage containers.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

2Ease of operation

If the spout is hung up for storage, then it is convenient to store, but it drips and causes stains and contamination

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of storageVSAvoiddripping and staining

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

3Stability of the object's composition

If the spout is rigid, then it maintains shape, but it cannot adapt to different container sizes and shapes

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveshape stabilityVSAvoidadaptability to containers

Core Design Contradiction:

Stability of the object's compositionVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The spout incorporates a flexible section that allows the outlet to bend and adapt to different container openings and angles. This dynamic flexibility enables the spout to accommodate various container sizes and shapes while maintaining a stable connection at the bottle neck, resolving the contradiction between shape stability and adaptability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

4Productivity

If the spout passageway is blocked with fluid, then fluid flows through, but air cannot be drawn in causing fluid lock

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefluid flow rateVSAvoidair intake capability

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The spout includes a separate air intake passage that is segmented from the main fluid passage. This air passage allows air to be drawn into the spout independently of the fluid flow path, preventing fluid lock by ensuring continuous air availability even when the fluid passage is blocked or filled.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

5Ease of operation

If the spout fits loosely to the container mouth, then it is easy to attach, but spills occur when moved

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of attachmentVSAvoidspill prevention

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

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 keeps the spout clean, prevents dripping during storage, and ensures efficient fluid flow by preventing fluid lock, reducing spills and environmental impact.

Implementation Method 1

the valve is drawn open as a result of the negative pressure created by the flow of fluid through the spout

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectNegative pressure: Pressure Drop

Implementation Method 2

spring biased one-way air inlet valve

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectSpring bias: Spring

Data Source

PatentUS9090442B2Flexible pouring spout

Publication Date: 2015.07.28 EXPRESS PRODUCE LLC

AI summary

A flexible pouring spout of segmented tubing having an internally threaded adapter cap at one end for connecting with a threaded neck of a fluid container, and an externally threaded terminal end which is adapted to connecting with the adapter cap thereby enabling the device to form a loop of itself. Thus, the interior of the spout remains clean even if it has a sticky or oily substance thereon, and any fluid within the device is retained therein. Also provided is a sealable air inlet valve for allowing air to be drawn into the spout when in use to prevent fluid lock in the device and bottle collapse, and to facilitate rapid and efficient pouring of the fluid from its container.