Retractable Pourer Spout with Orientation Rim
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing pourers with retractable spouts do not allow users to easily confirm the proper pouring orientation, leading to ineffective pouring due to random container orientation, and often compromise the liquid passage channel by using part of it as an air passage.
Innovation Solution
A pourer design featuring a tubular body with attachment members, a pouring spout that can be moved between retracted and extended positions, and a pouring rim that defines the correct pouring orientation, along with multiple liquid passage openings and an air passage conduit, ensuring effective pouring even when the container is held incorrectly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a single liquid passage channel is used in existing pourers, then the structure is simple, but the pouring effectiveness is reduced when the container is held in incorrect orientation
Solution Approach 1:
The single liquid passage channel is segmented into multiple separate passage channels (first liquid passage channel and second liquid passage channel) that are spatially arranged at different orientations. This allows liquid to flow through different channels depending on the container's orientation, thereby improving pouring effectiveness without requiring complex mechanical adjustment mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The pourer structure is designed to perform multiple pouring functions through different liquid passage channels, making it adaptable to various container orientations. The same pourer body can effectively pour liquid whether the container is held upright, tilted, or in other orientations, as the appropriate liquid passage channel becomes active based on gravity and liquid flow direction.
2Ease of operation
If the spout is kept in extended position during storage, then pouring is ready, but liquid leakage may occur and the spout is vulnerable to damage
Solution Approach 1:
The spout is designed to be movable relative to the pourer body, transitioning between an extended position (for pouring) and a retracted position (for storage and protection). This dynamic configuration allows the spout to adapt its position based on operational needs, reducing vulnerability to damage during storage while maintaining pouring readiness when needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The spout can be retracted into the pourer body or a protective housing, creating a nested configuration that protects the spout during storage and transport. The spout is essentially nested within the pourer structure when not in use, similar to how a drawer is nested within a cabinet, providing protection while maintaining compactness.
3Loss of information
If guiding systems are added to indicate pouring orientation, then pouring orientation is confirmed, but pourer mounting flexibility and cost-effectiveness are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of adding comprehensive guiding systems to the entire pourer, the invention uses local geometric features (such as asymmetric positioning of the liquid passage channels or specific structural asymmetries) that naturally indicate the correct pouring orientation. These local quality features provide orientation information without requiring additional guiding components that would reduce mounting flexibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The pourer structure itself provides orientation indication through its inherent geometric design, eliminating the need for separate guiding systems. The asymmetric arrangement of liquid passage channels or structural features serves as both the functional pouring mechanism and the orientation indicator, allowing the pourer to inform the user of the correct orientation through its own structure rather than requiring external guiding components.
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to a pourer comprising a tubular body which is able to be attached to a container and a pouring spout accommodated within the tubular body and reversibly movable relative to the tubular body between a retracted position and an extracted position. The pouring spout has a pouring lip conformed to define a pouring orientation and the tubular body and the pouring spout are coupled together by coupling means that are able to guide the movement of the pouring spout relative to the tubular body between the retracted and extracted positions and prevent rotation of the pouring spout relative to the tubular body to hold the relative angular position of the pouring lip with respect to the tubular body.