Manually Actuatable Valve for Drinking Container
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing hydration systems for aerobic activities, such as cycling, face issues with fluid replenishment due to the wear of bite valves and the need for manual operation, which can disrupt activity and pose safety hazards, and there is a need for an alternative mechanism to control fluid flow effectively.
Innovation Solution
A manually actuatable valve mechanism with a housing and adjustable valve member that allows for precise control of fluid flow, featuring a bore with upper and lower chambers and a lateral outlet, utilizing O-rings for sealing and an arm for positioning, which can be used in series with a bite valve to enhance fluid management.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a bite valve is used for fluid control, then the valve can be operated during aerobic activity, but the flexible portion wears out and fails to maintain closed position
Solution Approach 1:
The valve system is divided into two separate valves: a bite valve for opening/closing control and a manually actuatable valve for flow regulation. This segmentation allows each valve to specialize in one function, improving overall reliability while maintaining ease of operation during aerobic activity.
Solution Approach 2:
The manually actuatable valve incorporates a movable valve member that can be dynamically adjusted between fully open, partially open, and fully closed positions. This dynamic adjustment capability allows the user to regulate fluid flow precisely while maintaining a reliable seal when closed, overcoming the wear issues of fixed-position bite valves.
2Productivity
If water bottles are used for fluid replenishment, then fluid is available during activity, but one hand is required for drinking causing safety hazards
Solution Approach 1:
The valve system is designed to be operated without requiring hand support. The bite valve can be activated by mouth alone, and the manually actuatable valve can be controlled by thumb or finger movements, allowing the user to drink hands-free while maintaining safety during aerobic activity.
3Ease of operation
If a manually actuatable valve mechanism is added for precise flow control, then fluid flow regulation is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The manually actuatable valve is integrated into the same housing as the bite valve, with both valves working in series on the same fluid passage. This merging approach allows precise flow control to be achieved without requiring a completely separate system, thereby limiting the increase in overall device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The manually actuatable valve mechanism is designed to perform multiple functions: it can fully open the passage for maximum flow, partially restrict flow for regulation, and fully close the passage for sealing. This multi-functionality is achieved within a single compact mechanism, reducing the complexity that would result from multiple separate components.
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 provides controlled and leak-free fluid flow, allowing for continuous hydration during aerobic activities without the need to stop or slow down, improving safety and durability compared to traditional bite valves.
Implementation Method 1
the lower sealing member is in sealing contact with the bore lower chamber, such that fluid entering the fluid inlet cannot flow through the bore lower chamber into the bore upper chamber or into the fluid outlet
Implementation Method 2
the upper sealing member is in sealing contact with the bore upper chamber... fluid is prevented from leaking through the open upper end of the bore upper chamber
Implementation Method 3
The valve member is adjustable relative to the housing in the directions of the central axis between an open position and a closed position
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed valves for drinking from a portable fluid container allow for manual actuation of the valve between an open configuration that permits fluid flow and a closed configuration that substantially prevents fluid flow. Disclosed valves comprise a valve housing having inner bore fluidly coupled to an inflow channel and an outflow channel that are angled with respect to one another, and a reciprocating valve member that is adjustably positioned partially within the bore to open and close the fluid flow pathway through the bore from the inflow channel to the outflow channel. The reciprocating valve member is shaped such that it can prevent fluid flow when fully inserted within the bore to a closed configuration, and can allow fluid flow when the valve member is retracted from this closed position by a relatively short distance to an open configuration.