Pourer Flow-Channel Segmentation for Air-Bubble Prevention
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional pourers fail to adequately prevent air bubbles from entering the container during pouring, which can spoil the liquid content, especially for preservative-free or low-preservative products, and are often complex to manufacture.
Innovation Solution
A pourer design with a liquid flow channel comprising first, second, and third portions that redirect liquid flow to prevent air bubbles, combined with a filter and optional non-return valves to maintain a sterile environment, and a simple structure that forms a liquid trap to block air entry when not in use.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If a check valve is located at the flow channel to prevent air entry, then air prevention is improved, but the device complexity increases and manufacturing difficulty increases
Solution Approach 1:
The flow channel is divided into three distinct portions (first, second, and third portions) with different orientations. The first portion is substantially horizontal, the second portion is substantially vertical, and the third portion is substantially horizontal. This segmentation creates a liquid trap in the second vertical portion that passively prevents air bubbles from entering the container, eliminating the need for complex check valves or filters in the flow channel.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If a sterile filter is added to the flow channel to prevent air entry, then liquid quality is improved, but the device complexity increases and manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The flow channel is divided into three distinct portions (first, second, and third portions) with different orientations. The first portion is substantially horizontal, the second portion is substantially vertical, and the third portion is substantially horizontal. This segmentation creates a liquid trap in the second vertical portion that passively prevents air bubbles from entering the container, eliminating the need for complex check valves or filters in the flow channel.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If a complex multi-component pourer design is used to prevent air entry, then air prevention is improved, but ease of manufacture deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The pourer is designed as a single integrated component where the flow channel, air intake channel, and liquid trap are combined into one structure. The flow channel comprises three portions that are directly connected, forming a continuous path with an integrated liquid trap. This merging eliminates the need for separate check valves, filters, or multiple assembly steps, significantly simplifying manufacturing while maintaining effective air bubble prevention.
4Object-affected harmful factors
If the flow channel is configured with multiple portions to create liquid trap, then air prevention is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The flow channel is divided into three distinct portions (first, second, and third portions) with different orientations. The first portion is substantially horizontal, the second portion is substantially vertical, and the third portion is substantially horizontal. This segmentation creates a liquid trap in the second vertical portion that passively prevents air bubbles from entering the container, eliminating the need for complex check valves or filters in the flow channel.
Solution Approach 2:
The pourer is designed as a single integrated component where the flow channel, air intake channel, and liquid trap are combined into one structure. The flow channel comprises three portions that are directly connected, forming a continuous path with an integrated liquid trap. This merging eliminates the need for separate check valves, filters, or multiple assembly steps, significantly simplifying manufacturing while maintaining effective air bubble prevention.
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
Prevents air bubbles from entering the container, maintains liquid quality, and extends shelf life of preservative-free products while being easy to manufacture.
Implementation Method 1
configured to permit a flow of the liquid via the liquid flow channel in an outflow direction from inside the container towards outside the container when the pourer is at a pouring position
Implementation Method 2
an air intake channel configured to permit air to flow via the air intake channel in an inflow direction from outside the container to inside the container; a filter at the air intake channel for filtering the air
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3~6
AI summary
A pourer (1) installable on a container for pouring a liquid from the container, the pourer (1) comprising: a liquid flow channel (2) configured to permit a flow of the liquid in an outflow direction (OD); an air intake channel (3); a filter (4) at the air intake channel (3). The liquid flow channel (2) may comprise a first portion (2a), a second portion (2b) and a third portion (2c); wherein the flow of the liquid the first portion (2a) is configured to direct the liquid to flow towards the outflow direction (OD), the second portion (2b) is configured to direct the liquid to flow towards a direction opposite the outflow direction (OD), and the third portion (2c) is configured to direct the liquid to flow towards the outflow direction (OD). The pourer may comprise a non-return valve (17) at the air intake channel (3). Also, a product.