Multi-configuration, reusable bottle assembly
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing reusable bottles lack versatility and multiple configurations to meet various user needs, such as durability, temperature retention, and ease of use.
Innovation Solution
A multi-configuration reusable bottle assembly comprising a metal bottle with an upper and lower portion that can be detached to serve as cups, and a glass bottle that can be nested within the metal bottle, with a bottle cap that forms a watertight seal, allowing for multiple uses including thermal insulation and direct drinking from the glass bottle.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a single reusable bottle is used, then durability or temperature retention can be optimized, but versatility and adaptability to different user needs deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements multi-functionality by enabling the bottle system to perform multiple functions: the metal bottle provides insulation and durability, the glass bottle offers direct drinking capability, the lower portion serves as both a cup and a thermal sleeve for external containers, and the upper portion functions as a separate cup when detached. This allows a single assembly to replace multiple separate beverage containers.
Solution Approach 2:
The bottle is divided into separable upper and lower portions that can be detached and used independently. The upper portion can function as a standalone cup, the lower portion can serve as a thermal sleeve or cup, and when assembled, they form a complete insulated bottle. This segmentation enables flexible configuration and multiple usage scenarios.
2Ease of operation
If glass bottles are used, then direct drinking from the bottle is enabled, but fragility and susceptibility to damage increase
Solution Approach 1:
The glass bottle is nested within the metal bottle, which provides a protective outer shell. This nesting arrangement allows the glass bottle to maintain its direct-drinking advantage while being protected by the durable metal container, reducing the risk of breakage from impact or drops.
Solution Approach 2:
The metal bottle serves as a protective cushion for the glass bottle before any damage can occur. The metal container absorbs potential impacts and prevents direct contact between the fragile glass and external surfaces, providing beforehand protection against breakage.
3Temperature
If stainless steel bottles with double-walled insulation are used, then temperature retention is improved, but weight increases
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of making the entire bottle from heavy insulated material, the patent applies insulation locally through the lower portion's thermal sleeve design. The lower portion can function as a standalone thermal container, providing insulation where most needed, while the upper portion remains lighter for drinking convenience. This localized approach maintains temperature retention while reducing overall weight.
4Adaptability or versatility
If multiple separate bottles are used to meet different needs, then versatility is improved, but the number of items to manage and clean increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple separate beverage containers into a single integrated assembly. The metal bottle, glass bottle, upper portion, and lower portion are combined into one unified system that can be stored, transported, and cleaned as a single unit or in various configurations, reducing the number of items to manage while maintaining versatility.
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 reusable bottle assembly provides multiple and varied uses, enhancing user convenience and adaptability, while maintaining durability and effective temperature retention.
Implementation Method 1
Stainless steel bottles often come with double-walled insulation, which helps keep beverages hot or cold for extended periods
Implementation Method 2
The metal bottle is formed of an upper portion that removably mates with a lower portion in a watertight manner
Data Source
AI summary
A multi-configuration, reusable bottle assembly is provided, having a metal bottle and a glass bottle that can be nested therein and covered by a bottle cap. The metal bottle is formed of an upper portion that removably mates with a lower portion in a watertight manner to define an interior volume for retaining liquid. When detached, the upper portion and the lower portion can both independently serve as cups for retaining liquid. The lower portion is further configured to serve as a thermally insulative sleeve (aka, can cooler, koozie) for standard beverage containers such as soda cans or beverage bottles. In this manner, the reusable bottle assembly provides multiple and varied uses to meet the user's needs.