Limited flow cup
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing limited flow cups trap air in the metering chamber, leading to inconsistent dispensing of liquid volume during repeated use, resulting in less than the desired volume being dispensed after the first drink.
Innovation Solution
The design incorporates an angled transfer reservoir with a first transfer slot that allows air bubbles to escape into the main liquid reservoir, preventing air from being trapped, and a second transfer slot for fluid communication with the straw, ensuring a consistent and predetermined volume of liquid is dispensed with each tilt.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a traditional limited flow cup design is used, then the cup structure is simple, but air becomes trapped in the metering chamber resulting in inconsistent liquid volume dispensing
Solution Approach 1:
The cup is divided into separate functional chambers: a main liquid reservoir, a metering chamber with angled bottom, and a straw assembly. This segmentation allows air and liquid to be separated and managed independently, preventing air entrapment while maintaining consistent liquid dispensing volume.
Solution Approach 2:
The metering chamber is nested within the main liquid reservoir, and the straw assembly is nested within the metering chamber. This nested structure allows the air escape path to be integrated into the overall cup design without adding external complexity, while still enabling reliable air venting.
2Ease of operation
If the cup is tilted to dispensing position, then liquid flows to the user, but air becomes trapped in the metering chamber preventing complete liquid dispensing
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of trying to push liquid out against trapped air, the design inverts the approach by allowing air to escape naturally through the angled metering chamber bottom during the tilting motion. This inversion of the air-liquid management approach enables complete liquid dispensing while maintaining a natural drinking motion.
Solution Approach 2:
The metering chamber is given a specific angular orientation (angled bottom) rather than being horizontal or vertical. This angular dimension creates a natural air escape path that activates during the tilting motion, allowing air to rise and escape in a direction perpendicular to the main liquid flow path.
3Reliability
If air is allowed to escape during dispensing, then consistent volume is achieved, but the cup structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The angled metering chamber bottom automatically performs the air venting function during the normal tilting dispensing motion. The geometry of the chamber itself provides the air escape path, eliminating the need for separate valves, vents, or control mechanisms. The system vents air using its own structural features during routine operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The metering chamber is designed with a specific angular parameter (angled bottom) that changes the geometry to enable air escape. This geometric parameter change creates a built-in air venting pathway that activates during tilting, achieving reliable air removal without adding complex mechanical venting systems.
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 ensures reliable and consistent dispensing of a predetermined volume of liquid, such as 5 cc, with each use, preventing air entrapment and maintaining the desired volume over repeated tilts, enhancing usability for users with dysphagia.
Implementation Method 1
the angled transfer reservoir is configured to provide a ramp for air bubbles to move up and out into the main liquid reservoir
Implementation Method 2
the transfer reservoir fills with the liquid providing the measured predetermined volume of liquid when in an upright position and is prevented from filling when the cup is tilted in the drinking position
Data Source
AI summary
Improved limited flow drinking cups are provided wherein the redesigned cup prevents air bubbles from being trapped in the transfer reservoir and consistently dispenses a desired specific volume.