Sealed Fluid Filling Adapter With Check-Valve Transfer
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Solution Overview
Problem
The shipping, storing, and transferring of power equipment with internal combustion engines or requiring lubricants is challenging due to the risk of fluid leakage during handling, necessitating separate fluid containers and messy preparation processes.
Innovation Solution
A fluid transfer system comprising a container with an adapter and a receiver that allows for sealed fluid communication, using a check-valve mechanism to control fluid flow, ensuring easy and spill-proof transfer of lubricants to reservoirs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If fluids are shipped in separate sealed containers, then fluid leakage during handling is prevented, but the preparation process becomes messy and requires additional tools
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the fluid container with an integrated adapter that includes a seal and valve mechanism. This merged design eliminates the need for separate preparation tools and reduces mess during transfer, as the adapter is pre-configured to connect directly to the equipment reservoir.
Solution Approach 2:
The adapter is pre-equipped with a seal and valve mechanism before use. The seal is positioned to automatically engage with the reservoir opening, and the valve is pre-configured to control fluid flow. This preliminary preparation eliminates the need for on-site assembly tools and simplifies the transfer process.
2Reliability
If a seal is used to prevent fluid leakage, then fluid containment is improved, but the seal must be opened for fluid transfer which adds complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The seal is designed to automatically engage and seal the reservoir opening when the adapter is inserted. The valve mechanism automatically opens to allow fluid transfer when the adapter is properly positioned, eliminating the need for manual seal opening operations and reducing overall system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The valve acts as an intermediary between the sealed container and the reservoir. It automatically opens to permit fluid flow when the adapter is engaged, and closes to prevent leakage when disengaged. This intermediary mechanism simplifies the overall system by automating the seal opening/closing function.
3Ease of operation
If the adapter is removably coupled with the container, then ease of use is improved, but the connection reliability may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The adapter is designed as a separate, removable component that can be independently coupled with either the container or the reservoir. This segmentation allows for easy attachment and detachment operations while maintaining reliable sealed connections through precision-engineered mating surfaces and seal engagement features.
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
Facilitates convenient and spill-resistant transfer of fluids, such as lubricants, directly to equipment reservoirs, reducing mess and simplifying the setup process.
Implementation Method 1
The receiver may include a check-valve configured to be opened when the adapter is engaged with the receiver and configured to be closed with the adapter is disengaged from the receiver
Implementation Method 2
One or more of the container and the adapter may include a seal configured to render the container generally fluid tight when the seal is in one or more of an intact condition and a sealed condition
Implementation Method 3
The receiver may include a piercer configured to rupture the seal when the adapter is engaged with the receiver
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods are provided for transferring fluid between a container and a reservoir. In an embodiment, a system may include a container having an interior volume configured to hold a volume of fluid. An adapter may be associated with the container for providing fluid communication with the volume of fluid. A receiver may be configured to be fluidly coupled with a reservoir. The receiver may be configured to releasably engage the adapter, and may include a valve configured to be opened when the adapter is engaged with the receiver to allow fluid transfer between the container and the reservoir.