Modular Cork System for Wireless Spout Bottle Compatibility

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing wireless spout systems face challenges in compatibility with variously sized bottles, leading to difficulties in easy removal and replacement, and inefficient tracking of liquid dispensed, especially with wide-mouthed bottles where the bottle sensor switch may not activate properly.

Innovation Solution

A modular cork system with varying external diameters and internal thread receiving portions that securely fit onto a wireless spout, along with anti-rotation features and an actuating disc to ensure proper bottle sensor activation, allowing the same spout to be reused across different bottle sizes.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a single wireless spout design is used, then device simplicity is maintained, but compatibility with variously sized bottles is poor

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecompatibility with variously sized bottlesVSAvoidspout design complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The spout system is divided into two independent components: a universal spout body and interchangeable corks. The cork segment adapts to different bottle sizes while the spout body remains constant, resolving the contradiction between versatility and simplicity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The spout body is designed as a universal component that can work with multiple bottle sizes through the interchangeable cork system. This allows one spout design to serve multiple functions across different bottle configurations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Strength

If a threaded connection system is used, then secure attachment is achieved, but ease of removal and replacement is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveattachment securityVSAvoidremoval and replacement ease

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The threaded connection provides dynamic adjustability, allowing the cork to be easily screwed onto and off the spout body. The threads enable controlled engagement and disengagement, balancing security with ease of operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

3Measurement precision

If the bottle sensor switch is positioned for standard bottles, then accurate tracking is achieved for standard bottles, but activation reliability is poor for wide-mouthed bottles

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveliquid dispensed tracking accuracyVSAvoidsensor activation reliability

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The actuating disc extends the sensor activation capability to local areas that would otherwise be inaccessible. It creates a new interaction point between the spout system and wide-mouthed bottles, ensuring reliable sensor activation regardless of bottle mouth size.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The actuating disc serves as an intermediary element between the bottle and sensor switch. It bridges the gap caused by wide bottle mouths, transferring the activation force to the sensor reliably.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentUS10077181B2Specialty corks for use with bottle spouts

Publication Date: 2018.09.18 L2F INC

AI summary

Embodiments of the present invention provide corks and cork systems that find particular use in connection with wireless spouts used for monitoring the amount of liquid poured from liquid containers. It is desirable to be able to use a wireless spout with various differently-sized bottle. Accordingly, the cork features provided can ease removal and replacement of the wireless spouts onto and off of variously sized bottles, and allow the same spout to be re-used with a differently sized bottle.