Pouring Spout Venting Channel Positioning for Limp Containers

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing pouring spouts face issues with prolonged liquid transfer time due to pulsating flow and risk of blockage, especially with 'limp' liquid containers, as they require time to achieve air-liquid equilibrium and are prone to liquid entering the venting channel.

Innovation Solution

The venting channel is fixedly connected to the second tubular body, positioned higher than the closing part in the open position, reducing the risk of liquid entering and allowing quicker equilibrium between air supply and liquid discharge, with a non-return valve to control air and liquid flow, and a resilient element for telescopic movement.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If the venting channel is connected fixedly to the first tubular body (known design), then the structure is simple, but liquid may enter the venting channel causing pulsating pouring and blockage

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveventing channel blockage preventionVSAvoidventing channel connection structure
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The venting channel is repositioned from a horizontal connection to the first tubular body to an upwardly extending connection to the second tubular body. This dimensional change in the venting channel's orientation prevents liquid entry by positioning the opening above the liquid level during pouring, while maintaining structural simplicity through the telescopic body design.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Productivity

If the pouring spout uses a conventional design with venting channel connected to first tubular body, then the structure is straightforward, but the time to reach equilibrium between air supply and liquid discharge is excessively long

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveliquid transfer speedVSAvoidtime to reach pouring equilibrium
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The venting channel is pre-positioned to extend upwardly from the second tubular body before pouring begins. This preliminary positioning ensures that the air supply path is already optimized and elevated above potential liquid levels, allowing equilibrium to be reached quickly once pouring starts, thereby maximizing liquid transfer speed.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

3Reliability

If the venting channel opening is positioned at the level of the closing part, then the structure is simple, but liquid can easily enter the venting channel causing pulsating flow

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesteady liquid flowVSAvoidventing channel positioning
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The venting channel is given a distinct local quality by extending upwardly from the second tubular body rather than connecting horizontally to the first tubular body. This localized structural differentiation positions the venting opening at a higher elevation, creating a liquid barrier that prevents entry while maintaining overall structural simplicity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

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

This design reduces the time needed for liquid transfer, minimizes pulsating flow, and allows the use of less material for 'limp' liquid containers by achieving air-liquid equilibrium sooner and preventing blockages.

Implementation Method 1

a resilient element for pushing the second tubular body towards the closed position

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Implementation Method 2

with a non-return valve to control air and liquid flow

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectOne-way flow control: Valve

Data Source

PatentEP2964563B1Pouring spout for dispensing a liquid present in a liquid container
Publication Date: 2018.01.03 GVG OLIEHANDEL
  • EP2964563B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2964563B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2964563B1 patent drawingFigure 3A

AI summary

The present invention relates to a pouring spout for dispensing a liquid present in a liquid container. The pouring spout comprises a first tubular body for connecting to the liquid container and a second tubular body which together with the first tubular body forms a passage for dispensing the liquid. The first and second tubular bodies are telescopically movable here relative to each other for leaving clear a radial opening through which the liquid can leave the pouring spout. The pouring spout further comprises a venting channel for drawing in air. The invention is characterized in that the venting channel is fixedly connected to the second tubular body.