Funnel Ventilation Passage Design for Bubble Reduction

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional funnels do not effectively address issues such as liquid splashing and bubble formation during pouring, leading to soiled environments and difficult cleaning, as they fail to manage air ventilation efficiently.

Innovation Solution

A funnel design featuring a ventilation passage with a first passage integrally formed within the main body and a detachable second passage for air discharge, preventing air from entering the liquid stream and reducing bubble formation, along with a filter and adapter for enhanced functionality and stability.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If a conventional funnel is used to transfer liquid, then liquid can be poured from one container to another, but liquid flows out uncontrollably causing soiled environment and difficult cleaning

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveliquid pouring controlVSAvoidliquid splashing and soiling

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The funnel is divided into multiple functional parts: a receiving chamber for accepting liquid, a venting passage system with first and second passages for air evacuation, and a filtering passage with a filter. This segmentation allows each component to address specific problems - the venting passages prevent air pressure buildup that causes splashing, while the filter captures any stray droplets, collectively solving the uncontrolled liquid flow issue.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Device complexity

If air is not vented during liquid pouring, then the funnel structure remains simple, but air pressure buildup causes bubble formation and liquid splashing

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefunnel structureVSAvoidbubble formation and splashing

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The venting passage system acts as an intermediary between the receiving chamber and the external environment. The first passage extends into the receiving chamber to allow air escape, while the second passage provides the exit route. This intermediary structure enables controlled air evacuation without disrupting the liquid flow, preventing bubble formation and splashing while maintaining relatively simple funnel geometry.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Object-affected harmful factors

If a venting passage is added to the funnel, then air can be vented to prevent splashing, but the funnel structure becomes more complex

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveliquid splashing preventionVSAvoidfunnel structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The filtering function is merged with the venting passage structure. The filter is positioned within the venting passage system, allowing it to perform dual functions: capturing stray liquid droplets that escape through the passages and maintaining the structural integrity of the venting system. This merging reduces the need for separate filtering components, thereby limiting the increase in overall structural complexity while still achieving splashing prevention.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

4Object-affected harmful factors

If a filter is added to the funnel, then liquid droplets can be filtered, but manufacturing complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveliquid droplet filtrationVSAvoidfunnel manufacturing

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The filter is designed as a porous component that can be integrated into the venting passage structure. This porous filter allows air to pass through while capturing liquid droplets, providing effective filtration without requiring complex multi-component assemblies. The porous structure can be manufactured using standard molding techniques, maintaining ease of production while achieving droplet filtration functionality.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #31Porous materials

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 design ensures smooth air discharge, reduces bubble formation and splashing, simplifies manufacturing, and enhances usability by preventing liquid leaks and facilitating easy cleaning and assembly.

Implementation Method 1

The ventilation passage is configured to be communicated with the receiving container and external environment. The ventilation passage includes a first passage and a second passage which are communicated with each other. A first end of the first passage is configured to be communicated with the receiving container.

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectAir flow through ventilation passage: Convection

Implementation Method 2

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectFiltration: Filter (physical)

Data Source

PatentUS10604396B2Funnel

Publication Date: 2020.03.31 LIH YANN IND CO LTD

AI summary

A funnel is provided, including a main body and a ventilation passage. The main body is configured to lead a liquid into a receiving container. The main body includes a liquid inlet, a receiving chamber and a liquid outlet. The liquid outlet is configured to be communicated with the receiving container. The ventilation passage is configured to be communicated with the receiving container and external environment. The ventilation passage includes a first passage and a second passage which are communicated with each other. The first passage is integrally formed as a part of the main body. A first end of the first passage is configured to be communicated with the receiving container. The second passage is configured to be communicated with external environment and is detachably assembled to a second end of the first passage.