Slosh-Preventing Drinking Bottle with Compressible Bag Insert
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Solution Overview
Problem
Drinking bottles used by sportspersons during prolonged activities often experience annoying fluid sloshing when partially empty, which can be distracting and uncomfortable during running movements.
Innovation Solution
A drinking bottle design featuring an insert with a compressible bag, expansion elements, and a support system to prevent sloshing, including a bag with a honeycomb or cell structure, or multiple interconnected stages, which compresses and stabilizes the fluid to minimize movement, and a one-way valve for pressure equalization.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If a conventional drinking bottle is used, then it is simple and lightweight, but fluid sloshing occurs during running movements when partially empty
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a flexible bag made of thin film material to contain the drinking fluid. This flexible shell conforms to the contours of the bottle and moves with the bottle during running, preventing fluid sloshing while maintaining simplicity and lightness. The thin film adapts to volume changes as fluid is consumed.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention employs a dynamic support element that automatically adjusts its position and support force based on the fluid level in the bottle. As fluid is consumed and the bag shrinks, the support element rises to maintain optimal positioning, dynamically adapting to changing conditions without requiring complex control mechanisms.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If a rigid support structure is used to prevent sloshing, then sloshing is reduced, but the bottle becomes heavier and less flexible
Solution Approach 1:
The flexible bag made of thin film material prevents fluid sloshing through its ability to conform and move with the bottle, eliminating the need for heavy rigid support structures. The flexibility of the thin film allows it to adapt to running movements while maintaining fluid stability.
Solution Approach 2:
The support element is designed to be self-adjusting, automatically positioning itself according to the fluid level without requiring external control or additional weight. This self-service mechanism prevents sloshing while keeping the bottle lightweight.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the bag is allowed to move freely, then it adapts to volume changes, but displacement and detachment from the valve may occur
Solution Approach 1:
The support element provides dynamic stabilization to the bag, maintaining optimal positioning and connection to the valve while allowing the bag to adapt its shape and volume as fluid is consumed. This dynamic support prevents detachment while preserving adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
The flexible bag maintains reliable connection to the valve through its ability to conform and adhere, while the support element ensures proper positioning. The flexibility of the thin film allows adaptation to volume changes without compromising the connection.
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 effectively prevents fluid sloshing in partially empty bottles during running, ensuring a comfortable and quiet hydration experience by maintaining the fluid in a stable position and reducing noise, thus enhancing the user's performance and enjoyment.
Implementation Method 1
there is arranged beneath the bag an expansion element which is suitable for compressing the bag in the direction towards the drinking valve in dependence on the fill level
Implementation Method 2
In order to compensate for the decreasing fill level of the bag, pressure equalisation is necessary. If pressure chambers are present in the drinking bottle, the expansion thereof can establish the pressure equalisation. In the case of mechanical expansion elements, it is advantageous to provide an air inlet either in the dome or in the base of the drinking bottle.
Data Source
AI summary
Drinking bottle for sportspersons, having a case (1), a dome (2) with a drinking valve (3), a base (9) and a protective cap (4), wherein the drinking bottle comprises an insert (5) for preventing sloshing, such that(a) the insert (5) is a bag for receiving drinking fluid which is accessible via the drinking valve (3), wherein there is arranged beneath the bag (5) an expansion element (8) which is suitable for compressing the bag (5) in the direction towards the drinking valve (3) in dependence on the fill level; or(b) the insert (5) comprises multiple stages, which are interconnected; or(c) the insert (5) comprises a filling of a permeable, food-grade material having honeycombs or cells.