Funnel Holder Drainage Layout for Clean, Accessible Tool Storage
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Solution Overview
Problem
Funnels and testers in the automotive service industry are often arbitrarily placed, leading to inefficiencies, contamination from dust and fluids, and difficulty in locating them when needed.
Innovation Solution
A funnel and tester holder and drain system that includes a collector with funnel supports, allowing funnels and testers to be stored and drained into a centralized collection point while being shielded from dust.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If funnels and testers are arbitrarily placed on environmental surfaces, then they are easily accessible, but they become contaminated by dust and fluids and are hard to find
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a holder as an intermediary device between the environmental surface and the funnels/testers. The holder provides a controlled environment with reduced dust exposure while organizing multiple funnels and testers in an easily accessible manner. The holder acts as a mediator that prevents direct contact between the tools and both the contaminated surface and airborne dust.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts funnels and testers from the contaminated environmental surface and places them into a holder that is shielded from dust. This separation removes the tools from the harmful environment while maintaining accessibility through the holder's organized structure and positioning.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If funnels and testers are stored in a holder, then they are protected from dust, but they may not be easily accessible when needed
Solution Approach 1:
The holder provides localized protection from dust while maintaining easy accessibility. Different portions of the holder may have different levels of shielding, with the most critical areas being most protected. The design allows technicians to access tools quickly while the holder's structure provides appropriate dust protection for each stored item.
Solution Approach 2:
The holder is designed to be dynamic in its accessibility - allowing quick retrieval of tools when needed while maintaining protection when tools are stored. The holder may include features like open tops or removable covers that allow rapid access while providing protection during storage periods.
3Ease of manufacture
If funnels and testers are placed on environmental surfaces, then they can drain freely, but fluids contaminate the surface and create unclean conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the drainage function from the environmental surface by providing a dedicated drainage path within or beneath the holder. Fluids drain from funnels and testers into a collection area or directly onto a drain, preventing contact with and contamination of the work surface while maintaining free drainage capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The holder serves as an intermediary for fluid drainage, intercepting fluids before they reach the environmental surface. The holder includes drainage features that channel fluids away from the work area, acting as a mediator between the draining tools and the surface that would otherwise be contaminated.
4Adaptability or versatility
If different size funnels and testers are randomly placed, then all sizes are available, but the service technician's efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The holder is segmented into multiple compartments, slots, or levels designed to accommodate different sizes of funnels and testers. Each segment is optimized for specific tool sizes, allowing technicians to quickly locate and retrieve the appropriate tool without searching through a random collection. This organized segmentation maintains versatility while dramatically improving access efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
Different portions of the holder are designed with specific local qualities suited for different tool sizes. Larger funnels may be placed in lower, more stable compartments while smaller testers occupy upper or more accessible positions. This localized optimization of storage spaces allows all sizes to be available while enabling technicians to efficiently select the right tool for each task.
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 system effectively organizes and stores funnels and testers, prevents contamination by containing fluids and dust, and enhances efficiency by keeping tools easily accessible and organized.
Implementation Method 1
The finger is movable to a deflected position away from the body under load from the funnel upon inserting the portion the funnel into the opening to apply pressure to the funnel to hold the funnel in relation to the opening
Data Source
AI summary
A system for holding funnels and testers comprises a mount for mounting the system to a central location. A collector comprises supports for supporting funnels for drainage therein. The system is also configured for supporting testers for drainage therein. A drape may be provided for protecting the funnels and testers while supported by the system.