Fuel Container Spout and Trigger Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Portable fuel containers are prone to spillage due to imprecise human operation and difficulty in handling, leading to wasted fuel, and existing self-venting containers are difficult to use safely and efficiently.
Innovation Solution
A portable fuel container with a spout and safety features, including a multi-function pressure relief/air vent/safety trigger and flow control actuator, that requires separate user actions to engage the safety and flow triggers, preventing accidental venting and allowing controlled fluid flow, with a spout that can be easily locked and unlocked for storage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a single trigger mechanism is used for venting and flow control, then the device complexity is reduced, but the reliability and safety are compromised due to risk of accidental activation
Solution Approach 1:
The trigger mechanism is segmented into two separate triggers: a safety trigger and a flow trigger. The safety trigger must be activated first to enable the flow trigger, creating a sequential activation process that prevents accidental discharge while maintaining manageable device complexity through functional decomposition
Solution Approach 2:
The safety trigger must be activated in advance before the flow trigger becomes operational. This preliminary action ensures that the container is intentionally prepared for dispensing, adding a deliberate safety step that prevents accidental activation during handling or transport
2Ease of operation
If the spout is integrated inside the container, then the ease of operation for dispensing is improved, but the loss of substance increases due to spillage during handling and tilting
Solution Approach 1:
The spout is designed as a dynamic component that can rotate between a stored position (reducing spillage risk during handling) and a dispensing position (improving accessibility). The spout includes a locking mechanism that secures it in the dispensing position to prevent accidental movement and spillage, while allowing easy rotation to the stored position when not in use
Solution Approach 2:
The spout is extracted from a fixed internal position and made movable, allowing it to be positioned optimally for dispensing while minimizing exposure to spillage risks during transport and handling. The spout can be locked in place during dispensing to prevent movement-related spillage
3Ease of operation
If conventional refilling methods are used (unscrewing spout or using second opening), then the ease of operation for refilling is improved, but the reliability is reduced due to potential contamination and loss of sealing
Solution Approach 1:
The spout serves multiple functions: it is used for dispensing fuel, for refilling the container, and for venting. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate openings or complex refilling procedures, maintaining sealing integrity while providing convenient refilling through the same sealed dispensing mechanism
Data Source
AI summary
A fluid container having a body, a handle arranged in a top section of the body, a flow trigger in the handle, and a safety trigger that interacts with the flow trigger and prevents activation of the flow trigger. A vent assembly is arranged in the body and is configured to b activated by the safety trigger to vent the body. A spout assembly is movably coupled to the body and rotates between a use position and a storage position. A first valve opens as the spout assembly is moved from the storage position to the use position and a second valve is arranged upstream of the first valve to control fluid flow into the spout assembly. A linkage mechanism is arranged between th flow trigger and the second valve and configured to open the second valve when the flow trigger is activated and the safety trigger is released.