Funnel With Recessed Collection Area For Residual Fluid Capture
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing funnels fail to effectively collect residual fluids between the inlet and outlet openings, leading to unwanted dripping and transfer of residual fluid along unintended paths during fluid transfer processes in both kitchen and automotive environments.
Innovation Solution
A funnel design featuring a recessed collection area at the base with a flat surface and a flange surrounding the inlet opening, allowing the funnel to be positioned vertically on a horizontal surface or hung, enabling residual fluids to drain into the collection area by gravity, preventing escape and stabilizing the funnel for efficient fluid transfer.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of substance
If a traditional funnel is used for fluid transfer, then fluid can be transferred from a large container to a smaller container, but residual fluid collects in the funnel and drips from the outlet opening
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts the residual fluid from the main fluid path by providing a separate collection area at the base of the funnel. The collection area is positioned to receive and hold residual fluid that would otherwise drip from the outlet opening, effectively separating the useful fluid transfer function from the harmful residual fluid discharge.
Solution Approach 2:
The collection area acts as an intermediary between the outlet opening and the receiving container. It captures residual fluid in an intermediate position, preventing it from reaching the unintended location. The collection area serves as a buffer zone that mediates between the fluid flow and the potential harm of residual dripping.
2Loss of substance
If a collection area is added to the funnel base, then residual fluid can be collected, but the funnel structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The collection area is merged with the funnel body as an integrated structural feature rather than a separate attachment. The collection area forms part of the funnel's base structure, combining the fluid transfer function and the residual fluid collection function into a single unified device, thereby minimizing additional complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The funnel structure is designed to perform multiple functions: the main body transfers fluid while the integrated collection area simultaneously collects residual fluid and provides structural support. The flange surrounding the inlet opening serves both to secure the funnel and to align the collection area properly, demonstrating multi-functionality that reduces overall device complexity.
3Ease of operation
If the funnel is supported on a horizontal surface, then it can be positioned vertically for fluid transfer, but stability may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The flange surrounding the inlet opening extends horizontally to contact the support surface, adding a horizontal dimension to the support mechanism. This horizontal extension provides a broader base of support, improving stability while maintaining the vertical orientation needed for proper fluid transfer through the funnel.
Solution Approach 2:
The collection area's base surface is designed to contact the horizontal support surface at a specific location, creating a stable support point that copies the functional requirement of stability. This contact point between the collection area base and the support surface provides predictable, repeatable positioning that enhances operational ease and stability.
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 funnel design ensures complete collection of residual fluids without additional cleaning steps, preventing leakage and stabilizing the funnel for secure vertical orientation, facilitating efficient fluid transfer and storage.
Implementation Method 1
the residual fluid in the funnel is transferred by gravity to collect within the collection area
Data Source
AI summary
A funnel having a collection area disposed at one end of the funnel. A base surface of the collection area is flat. A flange surrounding an inlet opening is positioned spaced from the collection area. When the funnel is placed in a vertical orientation with the base surface of the collection area contacting a horizontal surface, a lowermost edge of the flange surrounding the inlet opening is aligned with the base surface of the collection area. The funnel is thereby supported in a vertical orientation on the horizontal surface by two contact points. Alternately, the base surface of the collection area may support the funnel vertically by itself. In this position, the residual fluid in the funnel is transferred by gravity to collect within the collection area. No residual fluid is allowed to escape from the interior of the funnel.