Full volume angled dispensing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Travel mugs require steep tilting to dispense fluid, which obstructs the driver's field of vision, contributing to potential accidents, as existing designs do not allow full volume utilization without modifying dimensions or reducing capacity.
Innovation Solution
A travel mug with a partition that separates the interior into a fluid dispensing chamber and a reservoir chamber, utilizing a flow restrictor mechanism with a ball bearing to control fluid flow, allowing angled dispensing without obstructing the view, and incorporating features like a removable partition and lid alignment mechanism for optimal functionality and safety.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the travel mug is tilted steeply to dispense fluid, then the fluid flows out completely, but the driver's field of vision is obstructed
Solution Approach 1:
The interior chamber is divided into two separate chambers by a partition: a fluid dispensing chamber and a fluid reservoir chamber. This segmentation allows the fluid to be dispensed from the dispensing chamber while the reservoir chamber maintains a higher fluid level, enabling complete emptying without excessive tilting that would obstruct the driver's view.
2Quantity of substance
If the travel mug volume is increased to provide more fluid capacity, then the mug dimensions must be modified, but this may affect compatibility with standard cup holders
Solution Approach 1:
The partition is disposed within the interior chamber, effectively nesting the reservoir chamber inside the overall mug structure. This allows the mug to utilize its full volume for fluid storage while maintaining external dimensions that fit standard cup holders, as the partition creates internal volume optimization without increasing external footprint.
3Volume of stationary object
If a partition is added to enable angled dispensing, then full volume utilization is achieved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The flow restrictor mechanism utilizes the mug's own motion and gravity to control fluid flow. When the mug is tilted for dispensing, gravity causes the flow restrictor to automatically open, allowing fluid to flow from the reservoir chamber through the partition into the dispensing chamber and out. When upright, gravity closes the restrictor, preventing backflow. This self-regulating mechanism eliminates the need for external power sources or complex control systems.
4Ease of repair
If the travel mug is designed for easy cleaning with a removable partition, then maintenance is simplified, but the manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The partition is designed as a separate, removable component from the mug body, allowing it to be easily detached for cleaning purposes. This segmentation enables users to remove the partition and clean both the partition itself and the interior chambers thoroughly. While this does increase manufacturing steps, the partition can be produced as a separate molded piece and attached with simple fasteners or friction-fit mechanisms, keeping the added manufacturing complexity minimal.
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
Enables full volume utilization with reduced tilting, maintaining an unobstructed field of vision during use, enhancing safety by allowing fluid to flow along the partition, and incorporating safety features to prevent excessive tilting.
Implementation Method 1
Positioning the travel mug for dispensing so fluid flows along the partition, the ball bearing rolls forward under gravity, drops slightly into the hole, and blocks fluid transfer
Implementation Method 2
The flow restrictor is the means by which full volume utilization of the travel mug becomes possible when employing angled dispensing
Data Source
AI summary
The travel mug includes a vessel with a removable, angled partition and an engageable flow restrictor. The partition separates the vessel into a fluid reservoir chamber and a fluid dispensing chamber. The fluid dispensing chamber has a direct fluid flow path out of the upper, open end of the vessel. The fluid reservoir chamber has an indirect flow path out of the upper, open end of the vessel through the fluid dispensing chamber. An engageable flow restrictor is configured to control fluid flow along the indirect fluid flow path at the partition. The flow restrictor is disengaged when the travel mug is upright and at rest and engaged when the travel mug is positioned for dispensing.