Liquid Container Multiple Apertures Flow Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

Single-opening liquid containers experience flow limitations due to inadequate air supply, leading to surging or restricted flow, especially with carbonated beverages, and can result in foam formation or spilling when multiple apertures are used.

Innovation Solution

Design of liquid containers with multiple apertures, including a top aperture and a bottom aperture that can be adjusted in size and location, allowing for controlled flow rates and reduced foam formation by optimizing air flow.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Device complexity

If a single large opening is used for venting liquid, then the container structure is simple, but the flow rate is limited by flow friction caused by inadequate air supply

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecontainer structureVSAvoidflow rate

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The single opening is divided into two separate openings: a first opening (pouring aperture) and a second opening (venting aperture). This segmentation allows independent optimization of each opening's function, enabling higher flow rates through improved air supply while maintaining simple container structure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Device complexity

If a single small elliptical opening is used, then the container structure is simple, but the flow becomes surging or restricted and causes foam formation

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecontainer structureVSAvoidflow stability

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The single small opening is segmented into two separate openings with different functions. The first opening allows liquid to pass through while the second opening provides dedicated air supply path, eliminating the competition for space that causes surging and restricted flow in single-opening designs.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Different regions of the container are assigned different functions through the two openings: the first opening (pouring aperture) is optimized for liquid flow while the second opening (venting aperture) is optimized for air supply. This local differentiation of function ensures stable flow without foam formation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

3Productivity

If multiple apertures are used to improve air supply, then the flow rate increases, but liquid may rapidly dispense resulting in spillage

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveflow rateVSAvoidspillage

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The two openings are positioned and sized differently to create localized functional zones: the first opening (pouring aperture) is positioned to control liquid flow while the second opening (venting aperture) is positioned to control air supply. This local differentiation allows rapid dispensing without spillage by balancing liquid and air flow rates.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The sizes and positions of the two openings can be varied to optimize performance for different dispensing scenarios. By adjusting parameters such as opening diameter, shape, and location, the system can achieve controlled rapid dispensing without spillage.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

4Object-generated harmful factors

If a second opening is added for venting, then foam reduction is achieved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefoam formationVSAvoidcontainer structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-generated harmful factorsVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The container opening system is segmented into two functional openings: one for liquid pouring and one for air venting. This segmentation eliminates foam formation by providing dedicated air supply path while maintaining relatively simple container structure through straightforward implementation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

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 multiple aperture design enhances the flow rate and reduces foam formation, enabling efficient and controlled dispensing of liquids, including carbonated beverages, while minimizing spillage and allowing for versatile usage.

Implementation Method 1

a second aperture in the sidewall or on the bottom of the can... allowing for foam reduction due to the increased venting and air flow

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectAir flow:

Implementation Method 2

the flow of liquid may be limited by flow friction caused by an inadequate air supply

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectFlow friction:

Data Source

PatentUS8689998B2Liquid container with multiple openings

Publication Date: 2014.04.08 GOWANS SHANE

AI summary

Liquid containers featuring multiple apertures for accessing the contents in one of a number of selected fashions. In one illustrative embodiment, the container is shaped as a bottle, having a body and neck, with a first aperture at the top of the neck. A flat bottom or base opposite the neck features at least one aperture, such as a traditional soda can opening with a scored section and a tab. In some embodiments, the bottom includes multiple apertures of different sizes, allowing for the selection of an aperture of desired size for a particular application. In some embodiments, the entire bottom may function as a removable lid.