Infusion Bottle Filter Assembly With Self-Closing Straw Aperture

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing portable water bottles do not effectively prevent undesirable elements like seeds from being consumed with flavored water and may not adequately address contaminants that impart undesirable tastes or pose health risks, such as iron, algae, protozoa, mold, sediment, pathogens, and chemicals in water.

Innovation Solution

A bottle assembly comprising a cap assembly with a straw, a bottle body, and a filter assembly that includes a mechanism for preventing seeds and other contaminants from entering the drinking straw, featuring a self-healing membrane or hinged cover to ensure closure when the straw is not in use, along with a filter cartridge for purifying water.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a portable water bottle includes fruit for infusing flavor, then the water becomes flavored, but seeds and undesirable elements may be consumed with the water

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveflavor infusion capabilityVSAvoidseeds in drinking water

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The bottle is divided into separate compartments: a base assembly that holds fruit pieces and a filter assembly with an aperture that separates infused water from solid fruit pieces and seeds. This segmentation allows flavor infusion while preventing seed consumption.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

A filter assembly acts as an intermediary between the fruit-containing base and the drinking straw. The filter's aperture mechanism allows water to pass through while blocking seeds, serving as a mediator that enables flavor transfer without seed transmission.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Ease of operation

If the aperture in the filter assembly remains open, then the straw can be easily inserted, but contaminants may enter the bottle when not in use

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestraw insertionVSAvoidcontaminant entry

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The aperture mechanism transitions between static states (open/closed) based on operational needs. The aperture is open during straw insertion for ease of operation, then closes automatically when the straw is removed to prevent contaminant entry, demonstrating dynamic adaptation to usage conditions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The aperture mechanism is self-regulating, automatically closing when the straw is removed without requiring user intervention. This self-service feature ensures continuous protection against contaminants while maintaining ease of operation during actual use.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

3Reliability

If a filter assembly is added to prevent seeds and contaminants, then water safety improves, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvewater safetyVSAvoidbottle structure

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The filter assembly is merged with the base assembly as an integrated unit that attaches to the bottle body. This combination consolidates multiple functions (filtration, flavor infusion, and aperture control) into a single modular component, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining water safety.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The filter assembly serves multiple functions simultaneously: it filters seeds and contaminants, allows straw passage through the aperture, and can be removed for cleaning. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate components, thereby managing device complexity while ensuring water safety.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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 solution effectively prevents seeds and contaminants from entering the drinking water while providing a means to infuse flavor and purify water, ensuring a safe and palatable drinking experience on-the-go.

Implementation Method 1

The aperture comprises a mechanism that is closable when the portion of the straw is not in the aperture

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectSelf-healing membrane:

Implementation Method 2

a filter assembly connectable to the bottle body, wherein the filter assembly comprises an aperture configured for passage of a portion of the straw

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectFiltration: Filter (physical)

Data Source

PatentUS9988177B1Bottle with filter and infusion base

Publication Date: 2018.06.05 TENDER CORP

AI summary

A bottle assembly includes a cap assembly, a bottle body, a base assembly and a filter assembly. The cap assembly includes a straw. The bottle body is removably connectable to the cap assembly. The base assembly is removably connectable to the bottle body. The filter assembly is connectable to the bottle body, and the filter assembly includes an aperture configured for passage of a portion of the straw. The aperture includes a mechanism that is closable when the portion of the straw is not in the aperture. A method of using a bottle includes removing the cap assembly from an upper opening of the bottle body and introducing fluid into the upper opening of the bottle body and through a filter assembly, the filter assembly including an aperture configured for passage of a portion of the straw. The method also includes closing the aperture.