Single Draw Container Insert with Dual Metered Flow Outlets

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing container inserts with two draw tubes for dispersing chemicals are costly to manufacture due to the expense of the materials used for the tubes.

Innovation Solution

A single draw container insert with two metered flow outlets, featuring a ring-shaped valve member with controllable opening diameters to manage flow rates, allowing for independent metering of liquid flow through radially spaced openings.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If two separate draw tubes are used to dispense different chemicals, then dual chemical dispensing capability is achieved, but manufacturing cost increases due to expensive materials

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedual chemical dispensing capabilityVSAvoidmanufacturing cost

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines two separate draw tube functions into a single draw tube by incorporating a rotatable valve member with two outlets directly within the tube structure. This merging eliminates the need for two separate expensive draw tubes while maintaining the capability to dispense two different chemicals through the same external tube, thereby reducing manufacturing cost while preserving dual dispensing functionality.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The single draw tube is designed to perform multiple functions by integrating a valve member that can direct liquid flow to different outlets. The valve member with its rotatable configuration allows one tube to serve the purpose of multiple tubes, enabling universal dual chemical dispensing through a single tube structure, thus reducing material costs while maintaining versatility.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Ease of manufacture

If a single draw tube with integrated valve is used, then manufacturing cost is reduced, but flow rate control complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemanufacturing costVSAvoidflow rate control mechanism

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The valve member is designed to be rotatable, allowing dynamic adjustment of flow direction and rate between the two outlets. This dynamic mechanism enables flexible control of liquid flow distribution without requiring complex automated systems, achieving flow rate control through simple rotational movement that balances functionality with manufacturing simplicity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentUS11535430B1Single draw container insert having two metered flow outlets

Publication Date: 2022.12.27 LAIBLE RODNEY

AI summary

A single draw container insert having two metered flow outlets is described. The valve of the single draw container includes a lower support member and a valve member rotatably positioned therein. The valve member has a central metering opening formed therein and a metering opening formed therein at the periphery thereof. The flow rates may be changed by changing the diameter of the central opening in the valve member or the opening in the periphery of the valve member. The opening at the periphery of the valve member may be controlled by the apparatus associated therewith.