Sediment Trapping Apparatus with Movable Bead Drainage
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Solution Overview
Problem
The presence of sediment in liquids, particularly in fermentation processes and beverages, leads to unsightly cloudiness, reduced volume, and economic losses, as well as complications and high costs in removing impurities in chemical and wastewater treatment processes.
Innovation Solution
A sediment trapping apparatus and method that includes a container with a sediment forming means in its lower portion and cap assembly, featuring cone-shaped elements and movable beads to direct and trap sediment, allowing for easy separation and removal by changing the container's orientation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If sediment is left in the bottom of the bottle during fermentation or storage, then the beverage volume is reduced and quality deteriorates, but removing sediment requires complicated and expensive treatment processes
Solution Approach 1:
The invention divides the bottle into functional zones: a main beverage storage area and a separate sediment trapping compartment at the bottom. The sediment trap is structurally segmented from the main bottle body, allowing sediment to be contained in a dedicated space while keeping the beverage area clean and simple.
Solution Approach 2:
The sediment trap acts as an intermediary component between the beverage and the bottle bottom. It intercepts and captures sediment particles before they can contaminate the main beverage volume, providing a simple mechanical solution that avoids complex chemical or filtration processes.
2Quantity of substance
If sediment is allowed to remain in the beverage, then the beverage volume is maximized, but the beverage becomes unsightly and unappealing to consumers
Solution Approach 1:
The bottle structure is segmented to create a clear separation between the beverage volume and the sediment collection zone. This allows the beverage to maintain its clarity and visual appeal while the sediment is confined to a hidden compartment at the bottom.
Solution Approach 2:
The sediment trap extracts and removes sediment particles from the beverage phase. By providing a dedicated trapping mechanism, the sediment is taken out of the visible beverage volume and isolated in a separate compartment, maintaining beverage appearance quality.
3Ease of operation
If a sediment trapping mechanism is added to the bottle, then sediment can be effectively separated and removed, but the bottle structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The sediment trap is merged with the bottle base structure, forming an integrated unit rather than a separate add-on component. The trap compartment is built into the bottle bottom during manufacturing, combining the sediment separation function with the existing bottle structure to minimize overall complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The sediment trap structure serves multiple functions: it acts as the bottle bottom, provides sediment containment, and facilitates easy sediment removal. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional separate components, keeping the overall structure simple while achieving effective sediment separation.
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
Effectively separates and removes sediment from liquids, preventing re-mixing and cloudiness, reducing waste, and simplifying the process while maintaining the liquid's quality and flavor, suitable for various applications including fermentation, brewing, and wastewater treatment.
Implementation Method 1
a movable bead in a position to move between: (a) a first position in which the bead opens the drainage aperture; and (b) a second position in which the bead closes the drainage aperture
Implementation Method 2
a sediment forming means in a lower portion of the container when in an upright position
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention comprises an impurities or materials trapping apparatus for separating or trapping a selected or unwanted materials such as sediment in a pourable material having sediment therein. The apparatus comprises a body having side walls between a first end and second end defining at least a recessed inner space 42, 104, 204, 286 there between for a pourable material. The apparatus includes at least one raised portion 50, 51, 55, 56, 206, 208 having a highest point, angled walls 26 connected to the side walls 7, 40 202, 220, 282 and at least one drainage aperture 16, 110, 210 located within the side walls 7, 40, 202, 220 282 or angled walls 26, 103, 203, 284. The raised portion is located at one end of the inner space and the angled walls 26 are located at a spaced distance from the raised portion. In one orientation of the apparatus, the side walls or angled walls drain at least a portion of the pourable material towards and though the drainage aperture and down to the raised portion and in another orientation of the apparatus, the drainage aperture is blocked thereby retaining any sediment. The apparatus of the present invention can be formed as part of a container or bottle and/or be part of a cap assembly. Methods of operation are also included.