Pourer Cover Element Holes Parallel Axes
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing non-refillable pourers for containers face issues with hindered liquid pouring due to the 'barrier effect' caused by holes during authorized pouring and are difficult to manufacture, particularly with the types of holes disclosed in US '940, which are not efficiently formed by molding.
Innovation Solution
A pourer design featuring a tubular body with a cover element having holes with diameters ranging from 1 to 1.8 mm and parallel axes, along with a convex portion and slots, to enhance pouring efficiency while maintaining the 'barrier effect' against unauthorized refilling.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If holes with small diameter and converging axes are used to create barrier effect, then refilling prevention is improved, but liquid pouring is hindered
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the key parameter of hole diameter from less than 0.7 mm in prior art to 1-1.8 mm in the invention. This parameter change maintains the barrier effect against refilling while significantly improving liquid pouring flow through the holes, resolving the contradiction between security and ease of operation.
2Reliability
If convex member with converging axis holes is used, then barrier effect is achieved, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the hole axis configuration from converging axes to parallel axes. This simplifies the molding process significantly as parallel holes are much easier to form using standard molding techniques compared to converging holes, while still maintaining the barrier effect function.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a convex portion as a localized structural feature that provides the necessary barrier effect without requiring complex converging hole geometries throughout the entire structure. The convex portion with parallel-axis holes creates the meniscus barrier locally where needed, simplifying overall manufacturing.
3Reliability
If uniform arrangement of holes with small diameter is used, then refilling prevention is improved, but pouring efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent increases the hole diameter parameter from <0.7 mm to 1-1.8 mm, which directly improves pouring efficiency by allowing greater liquid flow through the holes while maintaining sufficient barrier effect to prevent unauthorized refilling.
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 design improves liquid pouring functionality and simplifies construction, ensuring effective prevention of refilling while allowing smooth liquid flow during authorized pouring.
Implementation Method 1
the geometry of the grille and the inherent properties of the fluid create a 'barrier effect' which prevents any unauthorized replenishment attempt
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3
Figure 4a~4b
AI summary
A pourer (1) for a container comprises a tubular body (2) having an inlet opening (4) adapted to be introduced into a neck (3) of a container and an outlet opening (5) opposite the inlet opening (4) and configured to pour a liquid; a cover element (6) disposed within the tubular body (2) transverse to a longitudinal axis (A) between the inlet (4) and outlet (5) openings; the cover element (6) has a convex portion (9) whose convexity is directed toward the outlet opening (5) and a plurality of holes (10) each having a characteristic dimension ranging from 1 to 1.8 mm, each of the holes (10) having a respective center axis (C) parallel to the longitudinal axis (A) of the tubular body (2).