Pump-Activated Feeding Container for Suction-Free Liquid Delivery
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional methods for feeding or providing liquid, such as those using open containers with drinking conduits and check valves, are inefficient and difficult for users like young children, the elderly, and disabled individuals to manage, as they require suction and are messy.
Innovation Solution
A pump-activated feeding container with a handheld design, featuring a flexible straw assembly and a priming bulb pump assembly that induces pressurized or vacuum flow through one-way check valves, allowing for efficient liquid delivery without the need for suction.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If traditional open containers with drinking conduits and check valves are used, then the device structure is simple, but the ease of operation deteriorates because users must create suction to generate fluid flow
Solution Approach 1:
The pump assembly enables the system to self-regulate fluid flow without requiring user suction. The pump mechanism automatically generates the necessary pressure differential to move fluid through the conduit, making the system serve itself rather than relying on user action.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention replaces the suction-based mechanical system with a pump-driven mechanical system. Instead of relying on user-created negative pressure, an active pump mechanism generates positive pressure to drive fluid flow, fundamentally changing the operational mechanism.
2Reliability
If traditional feeding devices requiring suction are used, then the device structure is simple, but the reliability deteriorates because many users are unable to generate sufficient suction
Solution Approach 1:
The pump assembly enables the system to self-regulate fluid flow without requiring user suction. The pump mechanism automatically generates the necessary pressure differential to move fluid through the conduit, making the system serve itself rather than relying on user action.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention replaces the suction-based mechanical system with a pump-driven mechanical system. Instead of relying on user-created negative pressure, an active pump mechanism generates positive pressure to drive fluid flow, fundamentally changing the operational mechanism.
3Ease of operation
If traditional feeding devices are used, then the device structure is simple, but the ease of operation deteriorates because the devices are difficult to hold and manage with a single hand
Solution Approach 1:
The pump assembly is integrated directly into the container structure, merging the fluid delivery mechanism with the container body. This integration creates a unified, compact device that can be easily held and managed in one hand while maintaining all necessary functional components.
4Productivity
If traditional feeding devices without active pump mechanisms are used, then the device complexity is low, but the productivity deteriorates because fluid flow generation is slow and inefficient
Solution Approach 1:
The invention replaces the suction-based mechanical system with a pump-driven mechanical system. Instead of relying on user-created negative pressure, an active pump mechanism generates positive pressure to drive fluid flow, fundamentally changing the operational mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The pump mechanism operates through periodic compression and expansion cycles, creating rhythmic fluid flow that efficiently delivers liquid to the user. This periodic action enables controlled, steady fluid delivery rather than intermittent flow.
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 solution enables effective and efficient liquid delivery, making it easier and safer for users to feed themselves or others, particularly those who struggle with traditional feeding methods, by providing a controlled and mess-free mechanism for liquid dispensing.
Implementation Method 1
a flexible and elastically deformable membrane defining a membrane cavity. The membrane is operably configured to have a membrane depression translation path inducing a pressurized flow of liquid through the second enclosed straw channel
Implementation Method 2
The pump-activated feeding container also includes a priming bulb pump assembly directly coupled to either the container body or container top in a watertight configuration
Data Source
AI summary
A pump-activated feeding container having a handheld container body with a removable top and a flexible straw assembly disposed within the body and exposed outside of the body. The container includes a priming bulb pump assembly directly coupled to at least one of the container body and container top in a watertight configuration and with a flexible and elastically deformable membrane defining a membrane cavity. The membrane is operably configured to have a membrane depression translation path 306 inducing a pressurized flow of liquid through a second enclosed straw channel of the straw assembly and an upper straw opening and to have a membrane release translation path 400 inducing a vacuum and flow of liquid through a first enclosed straw channel of the straw assembly and an upper straw opening.