Flexible Sealing Edge for Adjustable Measuring Device Leakage
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing adjustable measuring devices, such as spoons and scoops, face issues with leakage when measuring low viscosity fluids like those containing alcohol, and they are costly to manufacture due to the need for complex sealing mechanisms.
Innovation Solution
The design incorporates a sliding dam with a molded outer rubber-like sealing edge extended into the space between the side flanges and the slider, and a semi-bowl shaped dam member with curved edges at a low angle, which provides a flexible and interfering fit with the bowl's internal walls, minimizing leakage and manufacturing costs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If prior sealing members are used in adjustable measuring devices, then the device can measure liquids, but leakage occurs under certain circumstances particularly when measuring low viscosity fluids
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a flexible sealing member made of elastomeric material that forms a compliant seal between the sliding dam member and the bowl. This flexible sealing member deforms to accommodate the low viscosity fluids that previously caused leakage, creating an effective barrier that adapts to the fluid dynamics rather than relying on rigid sealing surfaces.
Solution Approach 2:
The sliding dam member is constructed as a composite structure combining a rigid or semi-rigid core with an elastomeric sealing member integrated into its structure. This composite design allows the dam member to maintain structural integrity while the elastomeric portion provides the necessary compliance and sealing action to prevent leakage of low viscosity fluids.
2Reliability
If complex sealing mechanisms with co-molded sealing members are used, then leakage is prevented, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates the sealing function directly into the sliding dam member structure itself, rather than using a separate sealing component that requires assembly. The elastomeric sealing member is formed as part of the dam member, eliminating the need for separate sealing components and reducing assembly steps while maintaining effective sealing performance.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses a simple elastomeric sealing member that can be easily manufactured and replaced if needed, rather than complex mechanical sealing systems. The elastomeric material provides effective sealing at low cost and can be replaced as a simple component if wear or damage occurs, reducing overall system cost.
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
This solution effectively prevents leakage in measuring devices by increasing the contact area and flexibility of the sealing edges, ensuring a tight seal without the need for co-molded sealing members, thus making the devices more cost-effective and reliable for measuring all liquids.
Implementation Method 1
a sliding dam with a molded outer rubber-like sealing edge extended upwardly into the space between the side flanges and the slider
Implementation Method 2
the sliding dam member is made with a semi-bowl shape having curved edges which bear against the internal walls of the bowl of the measuring device at a low angle
Data Source
AI summary
The moveable dam structure of an adjustable measuring device such as a spoon or scoop has a structure molded of a single material with thin flexible curved edges which fit into the internal walls of the housing to provide increased surface contact without co-molding or other assembly of a separate edge seal onto the moveable dam. The moveable dam is molded in a single step of a single thermoplastic material to give the dam a tapered cross-sectional shape with the inner portion thicker than the outer edges, with curved edges forming angles substantially different from 90° when bearing against the internal walls of the measuring container.