Low-Profile Fluid Transfer Channels for Spill-Free Pouring
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fluid transfer devices are not designed to efficiently and safely transfer fluids from one container to another, particularly in a low-profile form factor, and often lack features to prevent spills and contamination.
Innovation Solution
A low-profile fluid transfer device with an annular base and vertical peripheral wall featuring spaced straight ridges forming flow channels, catchment areas, and a drain hole, along with optional splash guards and a removable stopper, designed to facilitate gravity-driven fluid transfer while minimizing spills and contamination.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If existing fluid transfer devices are used, then fluid transfer function is provided, but they are not low-profile and cannot efficiently prevent spills and contamination
Solution Approach 1:
The base is segmented into multiple functional zones: flow channels defined by ridges, catchment areas at the open ends of flow channels, and a drain hole. This segmentation allows each zone to perform its specific function efficiently while maintaining a compact overall structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The ridges act as intermediary structures that guide fluid from the pouring container through defined flow channels into the catchment area, preventing uncontrolled spilling. The splash guards serve as intermediary elements that intercept and redirect fluid flow to prevent contamination and spills.
Solution Approach 3:
The device utilizes a thin-walled annular base with integrated features rather than bulky rigid structures, achieving a low-profile design that maintains functional effectiveness for spill and contamination prevention.
2Shape
If a low-profile design is implemented, then the device fits better on various containers, but existing low-profile designs lack effective spill and contamination prevention features
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple functional features are merged into a single integrated base structure: the ridges that define flow channels, the catchment areas for fluid collection, the drain hole for controlled discharge, and the splash guards for spill prevention. This integration achieves comprehensive protection against spills and contamination within a compact low-profile form factor.
Solution Approach 2:
The device utilizes the vertical dimension efficiently with sloped flow channels that guide fluid downward from the rim toward the drain hole, maximizing functional capability within the constrained height profile by optimizing the use of available space in three dimensions.
3Productivity
If traditional fluid transfer methods are used, then fluid can be transferred, but spills and contamination cannot be effectively prevented
Solution Approach 1:
The ridges and flow channels are pre-configured to guide fluid along predetermined paths before it reaches the catchment area and drain hole. Splash guards are positioned to intercept potential spills before they can contaminate the receiving container, performing protective actions in advance.
Solution Approach 2:
The device uses gravity as the driving force for fluid transfer through the sloped channels, eliminating the need for additional energy input or complex mechanical systems. The structure itself provides the spill prevention mechanism through its geometric design rather than requiring separate active control 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 device effectively transfers fluids from various containers, including rigid and flexible ones, with a low profile design that prevents spills and contamination, making it suitable for a range of applications from liquids to dry granular materials.
Implementation Method 1
Each flow channel slopes downward from a first end proximate an inside of the annular peripheral wall towards an open second end away from the annular peripheral wall
Implementation Method 2
A drain hole is formed within the catchment area and extends through the base from the top to the bottom
Data Source
AI summary
A low-profile fluid transfer device has an annular base with a top and a bottom, and an annular peripheral wall defining an enclosed interior of the base. A plurality of spaced apart straight ridges are formed within the enclosed interior of the base and define respective flow channels. Each flow channel slopes downward from a first end proximate an inside of the annular peripheral wall towards an open second end away from the annular peripheral wall. A catchment area is located adjacent the open second end of each of the flow channels. A drain hole is formed within the catchment area and extends through the base from the top to the bottom.