Reusable Mixer Bottle Valving for Refillable Mixing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing container systems for storing, mixing, and dispensing liquids face issues with waste management due to non-reusability and the hazards of handling concentrated liquids, as they often require disposal of the entire container or force users to manually measure and mix concentrate with water, leading to inefficiencies and safety concerns.
Innovation Solution
A self-contained mixing and dispensing container with two separable chambers and a mechanism for transferring and mixing liquids, allowing for accurate measurement and refilling, featuring one-way valves and a collapsible concentrate bag for easy replacement, enabling the container to be reusable and reducing waste.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the container is designed for single-use with puncturing devices, then mixing functionality is achieved, but reusability is lost and waste increases
Solution Approach 1:
The container is divided into separate chambers (first chamber for concentrate, second chamber for diluent) that can be independently filled and reused. The puncturing device is replaced with a reusable valve system that allows multiple mixing cycles without destroying the container structure.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of discarding the entire container after single use, the design allows recovery and reuse of the container body while enabling refilling of chambers. The valve system and chambers can be emptied, cleaned, and refilled for multiple use cycles.
2Duration of action of stationary object
If concentrate is stored in the container for refilling, then reusability is enabled, but user exposure to hazardous materials increases
Solution Approach 1:
The hazardous concentrate is segregated into a separate first chamber that can be tightly sealed and independently handled. Users interact primarily with the second chamber for diluent addition, minimizing exposure to concentrated hazardous materials while maintaining refilling capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The valve system acts as an intermediary mechanism that allows concentrate transfer from the first chamber to the mixing chamber without requiring users to manually handle concentrated materials. The automated or controlled transfer process reduces direct user contact with hazardous substances.
3Adaptability or versatility
If manual measuring and mixing is required, then flexibility is achieved, but measurement precision and accuracy decrease
Solution Approach 1:
The first chamber is pre-filled with the precise amount of concentrate required, and the second chamber has pre-marked volume indicators for the correct diluent amount. This preliminary preparation of measured volumes eliminates the need for users to perform manual measuring, ensuring accurate concentrate to diluent ratios while maintaining mixing flexibility.
4Ease of manufacture
If the container structure is simplified for manufacturing, then ease of manufacture improves, but valving complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The valving system is segmented into modular components (first valve in the neck, second valve in the dispensing mechanism) that can be manufactured separately and assembled. This modular approach simplifies the manufacturing process for each component while achieving the required complex valving functionality for controlled liquid transfer and dispensing.
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 reduces waste and user exposure to hazardous materials by allowing the container to be refilled and reused, ensuring accurate mixing ratios and minimizing the need for frequent replacements, resulting in cost savings and environmental benefits.
Implementation Method 1
The improved valving assembly (80) includes a first one way valve (84) which allows fluid to pass from the lower chamber (74) into the upper chamber (72)
Implementation Method 2
A second one way valve (90) blocks liquid from the lower chamber (74) but allows air to enter the lower chamber (74)
Implementation Method 3
Transfer is initiated by manual deformation of the lower chamber which creates a pressure differential between the lower and upper chambers, driving liquid out of the lower chamber through the one way valve
Data Source
AI summary
A self-contained mixing and dispensing container having at least two chambers, includes a valving combination of two oppositely installed one-way valves by which fluid may be transferred from one chamber to another by deforming one chamber. One of the valves permits the transfer of fluid and the other valve, communicates with the ambient atmosphere, to permit air into the deformed chamber to replace the removed fluid.