Portable Fuel Container with Belt-Loop Attachment and Self-Closing Cap

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional fuel containers are impractical for users with large properties or landscapers, as they require multiple trips to refill powered lawn equipment, and existing solutions do not provide a secure, hands-free means to carry a small quantity of fuel that meets safety and regulatory standards.

Innovation Solution

A portable fuel container with a self-closing cap and attachment means for securing to a belt loop, designed to hold 16-32 ounces of fuel, meeting EPA and OSHA regulations, allowing hands-free transport and reducing the need for frequent refills.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Loss of time

If a large volume fuel container is used to limit trips to the gas station, then the number of refueling trips is reduced, but the container becomes difficult to transport and access

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetime for refueling tripsVSAvoidtransportability of fuel container

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of timeVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The fuel storage system is segmented into two parts: a large stationary fuel container at the gas station and a small portable fuel container for field use. This segmentation allows the system to benefit from both large-volume storage (reducing trip frequency) and small-volume portability (improving accessibility), thereby resolving the contradiction between reducing refueling trips and maintaining ease of transport.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Ease of operation

If conventional water bottles are used to store gasoline, then fuel is readily available, but the container does not meet safety and regulatory standards

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveavailability of fuelVSAvoidcompliance with safety regulations

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The portable fuel container incorporates an automatic self-closing cap mechanism that automatically closes after dispensing fuel. This self-service feature ensures that the container consistently meets safety requirements without requiring user intervention, thereby maintaining both fuel availability and regulatory compliance simultaneously.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

3Ease of operation

If a portable fuel container with attachment means is used, then hands-free transport is enabled, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvehands-free transport capabilityVSAvoidstructure of fuel container

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The attachment means (clip or carabiner) is merged with the container body as an integrated component rather than a separate accessory. This merging approach enables hands-free transport capability while minimizing device complexity by combining multiple functions (fuel storage, dispensing, and attachment) into a single unified structure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Data Source

PatentUS9199770B2Portable fuel container system with attachment means and associated methods

Publication Date: 2015.12.01 ROSE STEVEN

AI summary

Provided is a portable container system for holding and dispensing a quantity of fuel. The container includes an attachment for attaching the container to a support area, such as a belt loop, and a self-closing dispensing cap for dispensing the gasoline contained within the container. Additionally, the container is constructed of an approved material for storing gasoline, is painted bright red, and includes a warning that indicates the contents of the container. The internal volume of the container holds between 16-32 ounces of fuel, which provides extended use of conventional lawn equipment while being light enough to attach to a belt loop or other support area for hands-free use.