Multi-Use Oil Change Container With Integrated Funnel and Waste Transport
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Solution Overview
Problem
Small engine owners face inconvenience in performing regular maintenance tasks, particularly oil changes, due to lack of a convenient and environmentally friendly solution for transporting and disposing of waste oil, leading to neglect of recommended maintenance schedules.
Innovation Solution
A multi-use container assembly with a base and lid, where the lid features an integral funnel and pour spout, allowing it to enclose waste oil during transport to a reclamation site, combining the functions of an oil change kit and a waste oil collection pan.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a disposable cardboard container is used for the maintenance kit, then the kit components can be conveniently packaged and transported, but the container cannot be reused for waste oil collection and transport
Solution Approach 1:
The container is designed to perform multiple functions: it serves as the original maintenance kit packaging, then transforms into a waste oil collection pan, and finally becomes a sealed transport container for waste oil disposal. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate containers for each stage of the oil change process.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines the collection pan and transport container functions into a single integrated container structure. The removable lid with integrated handle merges the sealing function with the transport handle, while the spout integrates the pouring function directly into the container structure.
2Device complexity
If no dedicated waste oil collection container is provided, then the maintenance kit is simpler and cheaper, but owners lack a convenient way to collect and transport waste oil
Solution Approach 1:
The container serves dual purposes: initially as packaging for the maintenance kit components, and subsequently as a waste oil collection and transport vessel. This eliminates the need for additional dedicated containers while maintaining full functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The container is designed to be self-sufficient for the entire oil change process. The integrated spout enables self-contained oil pouring, the open top facilitates self-contained waste oil collection, and the removable lid provides self-contained sealing for transport, eliminating the need for external tools or containers.
3Ease of operation
If waste oil is transported without proper containment, then transport is simpler, but oil spillage occurs during transport to reclamation sites
Solution Approach 1:
The lid is designed to be completely removable from the container body. This extraction allows the lid to be used in multiple ways: it can be placed on the container to seal waste oil during transport, or removed entirely and used as a separate funnel for pouring fresh oil, providing flexible solutions for different operational needs.
Solution Approach 2:
The lid structure incorporates different functional zones: the rim provides a sealing interface when placed on the container, the integrated handle provides grip for transport, and the integrated spout provides a controlled pouring interface. Each local area of the lid is optimized for its specific function.
4Ease of operation
If a separate funnel is provided for oil pouring, then oil pouring is more convenient, but the overall kit complexity and number of components increases
Solution Approach 1:
The funnel function is merged directly into the lid structure. The spout is an integral part of the lid, eliminating the need for a separate funnel component. This integration maintains the convenience of funnel-based oil pouring while reducing the total number of components in the kit.
Solution Approach 2:
The lid with integrated spout serves multiple functions: it seals the container when placed on the rim, acts as a funnel for pouring fresh oil when inverted, and provides a handle for transport. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate funnel and handle components.
Data Source
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AI summary
An engine maintenance kit and multi-use container assembly (28). The multi-use container (28) includes a base (30) and a separable lid (32) that is fitted at its uppermost end with a pour spout (46). A funnel portion (50) is formed integrally in the lid (32) and serves to facilitate the filling of fresh, unused oil from a bottle (24) into an engine (12). The base (30) serves as an oil pan for capturing waste oil (56) during the maintenance process. Following an oil change, the lid (32) is returned to the base (30) for securely transporting the waste oil (56) to an appropriate collection center.