Rotatable Flow Regulator for Selective Liquid Dispensing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing flow regulators in containers are often permanent and inconvenient to remove, limiting the ability to switch between free pouring and metered pouring modes.
Innovation Solution
A selective flow regulator system comprising a movable first member and a second member that can be rotated between a regulated flow position and a free flow position, allowing fluid communication to be controlled between the product storage region and the exterior of the container.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a flow regulator is permanently installed in a container, then flow control is achieved, but the ability to switch between free pouring and metered pouring is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The flow regulator incorporates a rotatable member that can be dynamically positioned between a first position (allowing free flow through the first opening) and a second position (directing flow through the second opening for metered pouring). This dynamic reconfiguration enables the system to switch between pouring modes while maintaining reliable flow control in each mode.
2Reliability
If a flow regulator is permanently installed in a container, then flow regulation is provided, but the regulator is inconvenient to remove
Solution Approach 1:
The flow regulator is designed as a separable component that can be independently removed from the container. The regulator includes a body with flow control features that can be detached, allowing users to remove the flow regulation mechanism when free pouring is desired, while maintaining the benefit of flow control when the regulator is installed.
3Productivity
If the first opening and second opening are aligned, then free flow is enabled, but regulated flow through chambers is blocked
Solution Approach 1:
The rotatable member dynamically changes the alignment between openings based on its position. When rotated to the first position, the first opening aligns with the container opening for free flow. When rotated to the second position, the second opening aligns while the first opening is misaligned, enabling regulated flow through the chambers. This dynamic positioning resolves the contradiction by ensuring only one flow path is active at a time.
Data Source
AI summary
A flow selector configured for selectively or optionally regulating flow of liquid from a container is disclosed.