Fluid Container Directional Arm Check Valve Design
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fluid storage and dispensing containers, especially for viscous liquids, require frequent shaking and are inconvenient to use due to the need to lift and balance when opening and closing the lid, which is often a dual function as both a lid and support, leading to fluid spillage and drying out issues.
Innovation Solution
A container design featuring a directional arm with a check valve that allows fluid to flow naturally to the outlet, enabling the container to be stood in an open position without spilling and preventing fluid from drying out, with an articulated or fixed arm configuration and a clamping ring for securing the check valve, facilitating easy dispensing and storage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the lid is positioned at the bottom of the container to enable natural fluid drainage, then the fluid flows towards the outlet in the resting position, but the container cannot remain in an open position without fluid spilling out
Solution Approach 1:
A directional arm with a check valve is introduced as an intermediary mechanism between the fluid body and the outlet. The check valve selectively allows fluid to pass through the directional arm in the dispensing direction while preventing reverse flow, enabling the container to remain open without spilling fluid.
Solution Approach 2:
The check valve in the directional arm automatically controls fluid flow based on the container's orientation and user action, eliminating the need for manual opening and closing operations. The system self-regulates to prevent spilling while maintaining dispensing functionality.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the lid is used as a dual function (lid and support), then the container can be supported on the surface, but the user must lift and balance the container to open and close the lid
Solution Approach 1:
The lid and support functions are separated into distinct components. The lid remains a separate closure element while the directional arm with check valve provides the support functionality when the container is inverted, eliminating the need for the lid to serve as both lid and support.
Solution Approach 2:
The container is designed to be used in an inverted position with the directional arm pointing downward. This inversion allows the directional arm to naturally receive and guide fluid from the body while the lid remains at the top for easy access and closure.
3Productivity
If the container is inverted with the lid down to allow fluid to settle near the outlet, then fluid distribution is improved, but the fluid inside the lid dries out in the closed position
Solution Approach 1:
The directional arm acts as an intermediary that maintains a sealed connection between the fluid body and the outlet. This sealed pathway prevents fluid from being exposed to air in the closed position, eliminating drying out while maintaining dispensing efficiency when opened.
Solution Approach 2:
The directional arm and check valve system creates a flexible sealed pathway that allows the container to maintain its inverted position with fluid properly positioned at the outlet, while preventing air contact and fluid exposure when closed.
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 allows for simplified and efficient dispensing of fluids without frequent opening and closing, preventing spillage and drying out, enabling the container to remain in an open position for use without compromising fluid preservation.
Implementation Method 1
a directional arm comprising a first end with an opening in communication with the opening for the passage of body fluid and a second end in which a check valve is arranged
Implementation Method 2
the body comprises an opening for the passage of the fluid configured so that the fluid stored in the body flows towards the opening in the resting position of the container
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention is related to a container for storage and distribution of fluid comprising a body configured to hold a fluid, in which the body comprises an opening for the passage of the fluid configured so that the fluid packed in the body flows towards the opening in the resting position of the container; and a directional arm comprising a first end with an opening in communication with the opening for the passage of fluid from the body and a second end wherein a check valve is arranged, in which the fluid inside the directional arm is in direct contact with the fluid in the body. The invention is further related to a lid for a fluid storage and distribution container, which comprises an intermediate element that can be connected to a body of a fluid storage and distribution container, and a directional arm fitted to the intermediate element.