Hydration Pack Inline Venturi Infuser for Adjustable Additive Mixing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current devices for adding flavor or substances to water in hydration packs do not allow users to adjust the additive proportion or replace the additive easily, and they typically require mixing with the entire reservoir of water rather than the line of flow.
Innovation Solution
A hydration pack system using a rotational Venturi system with a separate cartridge for the additive, allowing for adjustable mixing ratios through a dial or valve, enabling users to mix substances directly in the line of flow and easily replace cartridges.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If flavor or substances are added to the entire reservoir of water, then the water takes on the flavor additive, but the user cannot adjust the additive proportion or control the intensity of mixing
Solution Approach 1:
The device segments the mixing function from the storage function by using a separate inline mixing chamber that connects to the hydration pack reservoir. This allows the additive to be mixed only in the small portion of water currently flowing through the line, rather than requiring mixing of the entire reservoir contents.
Solution Approach 2:
The device incorporates a rotatable dial mechanism that dynamically adjusts the mixing ratio between water and additive. The dial can be rotated to different positions during use to change the intensity and proportion of additive in the output flow, providing real-time adaptability without complex electronics.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a fixed additive system is used, then the device structure is simple, but the user cannot replace the additive with another additive mix
Solution Approach 1:
The additive storage is segmented into a separate, removable cartridge that can be independently replaced. This cartridge contains the additive substance and connects to the mixing chamber, allowing users to swap between different additive types without affecting the mixing mechanism or water reservoir.
Solution Approach 2:
The mixing chamber and delivery system are designed with universal connection interfaces that can accommodate different cartridge types. This allows the same device body to work with multiple additive formulations, enhancing versatility while maintaining ease of operation through standardized replacement procedures.
3Ease of operation
If the additive is mixed with the entire reservoir of water, then the flavor is distributed throughout, but the user cannot mix only the line of flow water
Solution Approach 1:
The device applies partial action by mixing the additive only with the portion of water that flows through the inline chamber at any given moment, rather than mixing the entire reservoir. This allows users to control additive consumption by only adding flavor to the amount of water they are currently drinking.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses the existing water flow pressure from the user's hydration pack to drive the mixing process automatically. The flowing water creates a vacuum that draws additive from the cartridge through a venturi effect, eliminating the need for separate mixing mechanisms or additional energy input.
4Reliability
If a rotational Venturi system with rolling seal is used, then unintended transfer between liquid reservoirs is prevented, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The device uses a dynamic rolling seal mechanism in the rotational Venturi system that automatically opens and closes based on flow conditions. When water flows through the Venturi, the seal opens to allow additive mixing; when flow stops, the seal closes to prevent cross-contamination between different additive cartridges or reservoirs.
Solution Approach 2:
The rolling seal acts as an intermediary element between the additive cartridge and the water flow path. It provides a reliable barrier that can be temporarily opened for mixing while ensuring complete isolation when not in use, preventing any unintended transfer between different liquid reservoirs through the mixing chamber.
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
Enables precise control over the intensity and proportion of additives in the water, allowing users to mix substances directly in the flow line without affecting the entire reservoir, providing versatility and ease of use.
Implementation Method 1
a Venturi effect takes place when fluid flows through a restricted area, the fluid pressure is reduced and fluid velocity is increased
Data Source
AI summary
The system may be a device that allows for mixture of an additive to a substance in a line of flow. The system may include a hydration pack with a reservoir that may contain a first substance, such as water. The system may include a cartridge with an additive that is mixed to the line of flow through a Venturi which may include a rolling seal that is manipulated with a dial a user manipulates to adjust the amount of additive added to the line of flow. The mixed liquid may then be accessed through a hose from the system to a mouth piece. The system may be modular to allow a user to replace the cartridge by disengaging a first component and a second component of the system through a buckling mechanism and replacing the cartridge within the second component. The cartridges may be reusable, recyclable or disposable.