Flasks

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing insulated flasks do not allow for convenient and hygienic transportation and consumption of beverages without transferring the contents to a separate vessel, and fail to provide effective insulation and separation for multiple users.

Innovation Solution

A flask design featuring a removable inner container that forms a watertight seal with an outer container, allowing separate consumption and storage, with a lid that seals both containers and an interference fit to secure the inner container, enhancing insulation and hygiene.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If a traditional insulated flask design is used where the lid acts as a cup, then the structure is simple, but the beverage must be poured into a separate vessel for consumption which causes cooling and requires washing

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconvenience of beverage consumptionVSAvoidtime required for pouring and washing

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The flask is divided into two separate containers: an outer container and an inner container. The inner container can be removed and used as a drinking cup, eliminating the need to pour beverages into a separate vessel and reducing washing requirements.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The inner container is nested within the outer container, allowing the flask to function as a single insulated unit during transport and as two separate vessels during consumption. This nested structure enables the inner container to be easily removed and used as a drinking cup.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

2Adaptability or versatility

If a single container design is used, then the structure is simple, but multiple users cannot consume beverages simultaneously and hygiene is compromised

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveability to serve multiple usersVSAvoidcontainer structure complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The single flask structure is segmented into two separate containers (outer and inner), enabling one container to be dedicated to each user. This allows multiple users to consume beverages simultaneously from the same flask while maintaining hygiene by preventing cross-contamination.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The nested container structure allows the flask to transition between a single-unit configuration for storage/transport and a dual-vessel configuration for multi-user consumption, providing versatility without excessive complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

3Reliability

If the inner container is securely retained in the outer container, then insulation effectiveness is improved, but removal and insertion becomes difficult

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveinsulation effectivenessVSAvoidease of inner container removal

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The retention mechanism uses a dynamic interference fit that provides secure holding during normal use (maintaining insulation) but allows easy removal when needed. The elastic deformation of the container rim enables the inner container to be slipped in and out without complex fastening mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The outer container's rim is designed with elastic flexibility, allowing it to deform temporarily to accommodate the inner container during insertion, then return to its original shape to provide secure retention. This flexible design enables easy removal while maintaining reliable insulation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

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

Enables convenient, hygienic, and insulated transportation and consumption of beverages, allowing simultaneous use by multiple users without washing the flask between uses, and maintaining beverage quality by preventing contamination.

Implementation Method 1

a lid that is configured to removably attach to the outer container and to form a substantially watertight seal with the outer container

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectSealing:

Implementation Method 2

the lid comprises an elastomeric surface that contacts a rim of the inner container to form a substantially watertight seal

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Implementation Method 3

the inner container comprises at least one exterior flange that forms an interference fit with an internal wall of the outer container so as to retain inner container in a substantially fixed position

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectFriction: Friction

Implementation Method 4

an insulated outer container

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectThermal Insulation: Thermal Insulation

Implementation Method 5

Typically such flasks are insulated by means of a vacuum

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectVacuum: Vacuum

Data Source

PatentUS12551058B2Flasks

Publication Date: 2026.02.17 OAKTHRIFT

AI summary

A flask has an insulated outer container having an upper opening and an inner container having an upper opening. The flask has a lid that is configured to removably attach to the outer container and to form a substantially watertight seal with the outer container The inner container is slidably and removably housed within the outer container.