Hydration Bladder Refill Port and Nozzle Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing hydration bladder refill systems require the bladder to be removed from the bag, which is time-consuming and often necessitates the aid of another person or placement on a surface, posing challenges in time-sensitive high-energy activities.
Innovation Solution
A hydration pack refill system that allows refilling without removing the bladder from the bag, by reorienting the bag from vertical to horizontal, accessing a refill port on the side, and extending a bladder nozzle for fluid ingress, enabling self-refilling while wearing the pack.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the bladder is removed from the bag for refilling, then the refill process can be completed, but the time required to refill increases and assistance or surface placement is needed
Solution Approach 1:
The refill system is segmented into distinct components: a refill port in the bag, a nozzle on the bladder, and a connection mechanism. This allows the bladder to remain in the bag while enabling refill through the segmented access points, eliminating the need to remove the entire bladder assembly.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary refill mechanism that connects the bag's refill port to the bladder's nozzle without requiring bladder removal. This intermediary system includes sealing elements and connection components that enable fluid transfer while the bladder remains positioned in the bag.
2Productivity
If the bladder is removed from the bag, then refilling can proceed, but the complexity of the operation increases requiring another person or surface placement
Solution Approach 1:
The refill system is designed for self-service operation where the user can independently refill the bladder without requiring assistance from another person or placement on a surface. The self-sealing nozzle and refill port mechanism allows the user to complete the refill process while wearing the pack.
Solution Approach 2:
The refill port and nozzle are pre-positioned and pre-configured within the bag and bladder respectively, allowing for quick connection and refill without requiring complex manual manipulation or preliminary preparation steps.
3Speed
If the bladder hangs vertically in the container, then suction is created for fluid flow, but the refill process requires bladder removal
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a lateral dimension for refilling by positioning the refill port and nozzle horizontally adjacent to each other, rather than requiring vertical bladder removal. This dimensional change allows fluid access from the side while maintaining the vertical hang position for suction-driven flow.
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 solution significantly reduces the time required to refill the bladder, allowing for quicker hydration during activities and eliminating the need for assistance or surface placement, enhancing usability in time-sensitive situations.
Implementation Method 1
the process of refilling the bladder generally requires the removal of the bladder from the underlying bag or container in order to access the port that allows water to flow back into the fluid cavity
Data Source
AI summary
In embodiments, the invention is a novel hydration pack refill system that comprises a fluid bladder, a bag for carrying the fluid bladder, a bladder nozzle for refilling the fluid bladder, a clip for sealing the end of the bladder nozzle, and a refill port for accessing the bladder nozzle through the bag and methods for its use. The invention may further comprise a water tube and a mouthpiece to allow a user to drink from the fluid bladder while wearing the bag. In an embodiment, the invention may employ one or more locking devices for holding the clip in place. The invention may further employ mating pairs of seating connectors to provide a watertight seal to the closed bladder nozzle.