Portable Fluid System with Integrated Pump and Spill Prevention
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fluid changing systems for vehicles and equipment are bulky, top-heavy, prone to spilling, and difficult to empty, making them inefficient and unsafe for use in various applications.
Innovation Solution
A portable, self-contained fluid system comprising a 3.5-gallon reservoir with a built-in electric pump and hose assembly, designed for easy assembly and balanced handling, featuring a venting port, pour spout, and cap to minimize spillage, powered by a 12-24 volt battery with an on/off switch, and adaptable for fluid exchange or water supply in recreational and industrial settings.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If a traditional pump and bucket system is used for fluid changing, then the system can perform fluid transfer, but the system becomes bulky and top-heavy
Solution Approach 1:
The pump is integrated directly into the reservoir structure, with the pump motor mounted on the reservoir wall and the pump inlet/outlet ports connected to the reservoir interior. This merging of the pump and reservoir into a single integrated unit eliminates the need for separate buckets and external pump mounting, significantly reducing overall system volume while maintaining fluid transfer capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The reservoir serves multiple functions: it acts as the fluid storage container, the structural base for mounting the pump, and provides mounting points for handles and vents. This multi-functionality reduces the number of separate components needed, making the system more compact without sacrificing fluid transfer performance.
2Quantity of substance
If a traditional pump and bucket system is used, then fluid transfer is possible, but the system becomes prone to spilling
Solution Approach 1:
The system includes a spill prevention mechanism where excess fluid that overfills the reservoir is redirected through a spill port into a separate collection chamber at the bottom of the reservoir. This converts the potential harm of overfilling and spilling into a beneficial feature that captures and contains excess fluid, preventing environmental contamination and mess.
Solution Approach 2:
The spill port acts as an intermediary element between the reservoir interior and the external environment. Instead of allowing fluid to spill directly outside, the spill port channels excess fluid through a controlled path into a designated collection area, mediating the overflow process to prevent harmful spilling.
3Quantity of substance
If a traditional pump and bucket system is used, then fluid can be transferred, but the system becomes difficult to empty
Solution Approach 1:
The pump is positioned with its inlet port at the lowest point of the reservoir interior, and the reservoir is designed with sloped bottom surfaces that guide fluid toward the pump inlet. This equipotential design ensures that fluid naturally flows to the pump intake without requiring additional lifting or manual intervention, making the system easy to operate and empty completely.
4Ease of operation
If a compact reservoir design is used, then the system becomes portable and easy to handle, but the reservoir capacity is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The reservoir is constructed from flexible plastic material that allows the container to be collapsed when empty and expanded when filled. This flexible construction enables a compact form factor for portability while providing sufficient capacity when in use, as the reservoir can be compressed to a small size for transport and expansion to full capacity during operation.
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 system provides a compact, user-friendly, and spill-resistant solution for fluid exchange and water supply, enhancing safety and convenience in diverse applications, including vehicle maintenance and personal hygiene, while being adaptable for multiple uses beyond traditional fluid changes.
Implementation Method 1
an electric pump affixed to the reservoir, having a pump inlet for receiving and coupling a pump discharge hose thereto that transfers the fluid from the container to the pump
Implementation Method 2
The reservoir may also include a venting port for venting air when the fluid is filling the reservoir
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention provides a new and unique portable, self-contained, fluid system. The portable, self-contained, fluid changing system may be used as a fluid changing device for changing a fluid such as oil or another suitable fluid in a container of a boat, recreational vehicle (RV), automobile or other suitable military, agricultural or industrial device. Alternatively, portable, self-contained, fluid system may also be used for providing fluid such as water or other suitable fluid for cleaning or showering. Moreover, the portable, self-contained, fluid system may also have a reversible electric pump that may be adapted or switched for pumping in either direction once the pump is affixed on the reservoir so the system may be sold and marketed for use in a fluid changing type of device or in a water providing or cleaning type of device consistent with that described above.