Funnel Spacer Retention via Enlarged Post Caps

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing liquid transfer devices, such as the 'Fun-All' funnel, face issues with the spacer or spreader sliding off the posts during use or cleaning, leading to loss and inefficiency in transferring high viscosity liquids from nearly empty bottles.

Innovation Solution

The funnel features enlarged caps on the ends of the posts to prevent the spacer or spreader from sliding off, ensuring secure retention while allowing for easy removal during cleaning and maintaining liquid flow between bottles.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If the posts are made flexible or resilient to allow easy insertion into the bottle neck, then the ease of operation is improved, but the stability of the spreader retention deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of insertionVSAvoidspreader retention

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The post is divided into two functional segments: a flexible lower portion for insertion and a rigid upper portion with an enlarged head for retention. This segmentation allows each part to fulfill its specific function optimally - the flexible lower part easily inserts into the bottle neck while the rigid upper part with enlarged head securely retains the spreader.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Different parts of the post have different mechanical properties - the lower portion is made flexible or resilient for easy insertion, while the upper portion including the head is made rigid to provide stable spreader retention. This local differentiation of material properties resolves the contradiction between ease of operation and reliability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

2Ease of operation

If the spreader is allowed to slide freely on the posts for positioning, then the ease of operation is improved, but the loss of substance deteriorates due to accidental sliding off

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepositioning flexibilityVSAvoidspreader loss

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSLoss of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The enlarged head on the post creates a preliminary barrier that prevents the spreader from sliding off accidentally. This anti-action mechanism is built into the structure - the enlarged head physically blocks the spreader from moving beyond the retention point, preventing loss before it can occur.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #9Preliminary anti-action

Solution Approach 2:

The retention solution adds a dimensional feature - the enlarged head creates a dimensional barrier in the vertical dimension that the spreader cannot pass. This dimensional change from a simple cylindrical post to one with an enlarged head provides the retention function while maintaining sliding flexibility within the allowed range.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

3Reliability

If the posts are made rigid to prevent spreader sliding, then the reliability of spreader retention is improved, but the ease of operation deteriorates due to difficult insertion

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvespreader retentionVSAvoidease of insertion

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The post is divided into two functional segments: a flexible lower portion for insertion and a rigid upper portion with an enlarged head for retention. This segmentation allows each part to fulfill its specific function optimally - the flexible lower part easily inserts into the bottle neck while the rigid upper part with enlarged head securely retains the spreader.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Different parts of the post have different mechanical properties - the lower portion is made flexible or resilient for easy insertion, while the upper portion including the head is made rigid to provide stable spreader retention. This local differentiation of material properties resolves the contradiction between ease of operation and reliability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

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

This design enhances the stability and usability of the funnel, minimizing the risk of spacer loss and ensuring complete transfer of liquids, thereby reducing waste and user costs.

Implementation Method 1

The funnel includes a lower end which fits into the upright second bottle and posts extending upwardly into the neck of the first bottle which is inverted on top of the funnel. The commercial embodiment is made of plastic, such that the posts are somewhat flexible or resilient.

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentUS11319202B1Bottle funnel with stabilizer projections

Publication Date: 2022.05.03 N P Z INC

AI summary

A funnel has upper and lower ends adapted to be inserted into bottles or containers to stack a first container above a second container to allow liquid to drain from the inverted first container into the upright second container. The upper end of the funnel includes resilient posts, with a spacer extending therebetween to provide a stable fit of the upper end into the first container. The tops of the posts include enlarged caps to preclude the spacer from sliding off the posts and possibly becoming lost.