Lidded Funnel with Segmented Stem and Pivot Lid

Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional funnel devices lack a mechanism to prevent air from passing through the stem section when inserted into a container and do not provide a means for enclosing the interior space for storage or transport.

Innovation Solution

A lidded funnel with a polygonal exterior surface on the stem section that forms gaps with the container rim, preventing air passage, and an end cap and lid system that seals the interior space for temporary storage and transport.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If the stem section is inserted into a container, then the funnel can be used for pouring, but air passes through the stem section preventing effective sealing

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefunnel usabilityVSAvoidair passage through stem

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The stem section is divided into multiple segments with alternating orientations. The first stem segment extends in a first orientation while the second stem segment extends in a second orientation that is offset from the first. This segmentation creates gaps between the stem sections and the container rim, preventing air from passing through while maintaining the funnel's pouring functionality.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Ease of operation

If the funnel interior space is left open, then the funnel is easy to use, but the interior space cannot be enclosed for storage or transport

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefunnel accessibilityVSAvoidstorage and transport capability

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The lid is pivotally coupled to the funnel body, allowing it to be dynamically positioned between an open state (for use) and a closed state (for storage or transport). The lid can be rotated to cover the broad opening of the funnel, enclosing the interior space, and then opened to provide access during pouring operations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The lid is designed to nest within or attach to the funnel body structure. When closed, the lid encloses the interior space of the funnel, creating a compact sealed unit that can be stored or transported efficiently.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

3Object-affected harmful factors

If a sealing mechanism is added to prevent air passage, then air-tight sealing is achieved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveair-tight sealingVSAvoidsealing mechanism structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The stem section is divided into multiple segments with alternating orientations. The first stem segment extends in a first orientation while the second stem segment extends in a second orientation that is offset from the first. This segmentation creates gaps between the stem sections and the container rim, preventing air from passing through while maintaining the funnel's pouring functionality.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentUS10106391B2Lidded Funnel Device

Publication Date: 2018.10.23 SCHMITT NEAL MR

AI summary

A lidded funnel device provides a funnel having an enclosable interior space. The device includes a funnel having a stem section extending from a mouth section. An upper edge of the mouth section defines a broad opening into the funnel. The stem section has a polygonal exterior surface. An end cap is engageable to the stem section to cover and seal an open end of the stem section. Each of a plurality of pins is coupled to the mouth section. Each of a plurality of clips extends from a lid. The clips are removably engageable to the pins wherein the lid is pivotally coupled to the funnel. The lid is shaped complementary to the upper edge of the mouth section to cover the broad opening into the funnel when the lid is in a closed position.