Retractable Spout Assembly for Measured Pouring and Liquid Aeration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional spouts for dispensing liquids are exposed, attracting insects and lack volumetric control, and existing retractable spouts do not aerate fluids effectively, particularly for red wine which requires aeration before consumption.
Innovation Solution
A retractable spout with a volumetric dispensing assembly and turbulence forming element that can dispense a predetermined volume of liquid and aerate the fluid, featuring a biasing mechanism for extending and retracting the spout, and a design that includes a primary and secondary ball system to control fluid flow.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the spout is exposed to the surrounding environment for dispensing liquid, then the dispensing function is accessible, but insects are attracted to the liquid and can crawl into or become lodged within the spout
Solution Approach 1:
The spout is designed to be retractable, moving between an extended position for dispensing and a retracted position for protection. This dynamic configuration allows the spout to adapt its state based on operational requirements, providing both accessibility during use and protection against insects when not in use.
Solution Approach 2:
The spout is covered by a protective cap or shield that can move with the spout. This flexible covering protects the spout opening from insect intrusion while allowing the spout to extend and retract freely for dispensing operations.
2Device complexity
If a conventional spout is used for dispensing liquid, then the dispensing function is simple, but volumetric control of the dispensed liquid is not achieved
Solution Approach 1:
A volumetric control mechanism is introduced as an intermediary component between the liquid reservoir and the spout. This mechanism, such as a adjustable restrictor or flow control valve, regulates the liquid flow rate and volume without significantly complicating the overall spout structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The spout incorporates adjustable parameters such as flow rate, opening size, or dispensing time to achieve volumetric control. By allowing users to modify these parameters, the system can dispense precise volumes of liquid while maintaining a relatively simple spout design.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If existing retractable spouts are used, then the spout is protected from insects, but volumetric control and effective aeration of the liquid are not achieved
Solution Approach 1:
The spout system integrates multiple functions into a single device: insect protection through the retractable design, volumetric control via flow regulation mechanisms, and aeration through turbulence-inducing features. This multi-functional approach allows the spout to protect against insects while simultaneously achieving precise dispensing and effective liquid aeration.
Solution Approach 2:
The protective cap, volumetric control mechanism, and aeration elements are merged into an integrated spout assembly. This combination ensures that insect protection, volume control, and aeration work together harmoniously without interfering with each other, providing comprehensive functionality in a unified device.
4Device complexity
If liquid is dispensed without aeration, then the dispensing process is simple, but the flavor and aroma of liquids such as red wine are not enhanced
Solution Approach 1:
The spout incorporates turbulence-inducing elements such as ridges, baffles, or spiral structures that create mechanical agitation and vibration in the liquid flow. This mechanical action effectively aerates the liquid by incorporating air bubbles, enhancing flavor and aroma without requiring complex additional aeration devices.
Solution Approach 2:
The spout design utilizes hydraulic principles to promote liquid aeration, such as creating pressure differentials or flow patterns that entrain air into the liquid. This passive aeration approach enhances liquid quality through fluid dynamics rather than active mechanical aeration systems.
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 provides a protected dispensing mechanism that prevents insect intrusion, allows precise volumetric dispensing, and effectively aerates liquids, enhancing the flavor and aroma of red wine by introducing air into the fluid flow.
Implementation Method 1
a biasing member positionable within or adjacent the body and configured to bias the pouring tube into a first extended position relative the body
Implementation Method 2
a turbulence forming element positioned within or adjacent the passageway for generating turbulence in a flow of the liquid as it passes through the passageway to thereby aerate the liquid
Data Source
AI summary
There is proposed a dispensing apparatus attachable to a container that includes a retractable spout. The dispensing apparatus can dispense a predetermined volume of liquid or aerate a liquid being dispensed, wherein the retractable spout includes a volumetric dispensing assembly for dispense the predetermined volume of liquid, and/or a turbulence forming element that is configured to aerate the liquid.