Universal Liquid Transfer Adapter With Flexible Collar And Air Valve
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing hydration system filling adapters are limited to specific liquid dispenser sizes and designs, making them inconvenient for use with rigid bottles, as they require manual handling and may not allow air to replace the volume of removed liquid, hindering hands-free operation.
Innovation Solution
A universal adapter with a flexible liquid inlet, one-way air valve, and internal barrier to direct air bubbles away from the liquid outlet, enabling adaptation to various dispenser diameters and facilitating hands-free filling from rigid bottles by allowing air to replace liquid volume.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a filling adapter is designed to fit over a specific fixture or liquid dispenser neck, then it can enable filling without removing the bladder, but it is limited to a particular liquid dispenser type or size
Solution Approach 1:
The adapter is designed with a flexible collar that can expand and contract to fit multiple sizes and types of liquid dispenser necks, making it universally compatible rather than specific to one type. The flexible material allows the adapter to adapt its shape and size to match various bottle openings.
Solution Approach 2:
The adapter utilizes changes in the physical state of the flexible collar material, allowing it to deform and adjust its dimensions. The collar can be compressed to fit smaller necks or expanded to accommodate larger openings, dynamically changing its parameters to match the dispenser being used.
2Productivity
If air is not allowed into the bottle to replace the volume of removed liquid, then liquid flow from the bottle is resisted by atmospheric pressure, but allowing air in requires manual handling that compromises hands-free operation
Solution Approach 1:
The adapter includes a one-way air valve that automatically allows air to enter the adapter when the liquid level drops, without requiring any manual intervention. The valve self-regulates based on pressure differential, opening to allow air in when needed and closing when liquid flows, maintaining hands-free operation throughout the filling process.
Solution Approach 2:
The one-way air valve acts as an intermediary mechanism between the adapter interior and the external atmosphere. It mediates the air intake process by automatically opening and closing based on pressure conditions, eliminating the need for manual bottle squeezing or crushing while still enabling continuous liquid flow.
3Adaptability or versatility
If a filling adapter is used with a rigid bottle, then hands-free operation is compromised because the bottle cannot be squeezed or crushed to facilitate liquid transfer
Solution Approach 1:
The one-way air valve serves as an intermediary that automatically manages air intake during filling from rigid bottles. It opens when the liquid level in the adapter drops and atmospheric pressure exceeds internal pressure, allowing air to enter and replace the liquid volume, thus enabling continuous flow without manual bottle manipulation.
Solution Approach 2:
The air valve system is self-regulating and automatically responds to pressure differentials during the filling process. It requires no manual activation or control, continuously managing air intake to maintain liquid flow from rigid bottles while preserving hands-free operation.
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 adapter allows for efficient, hands-free filling of hydration systems from a wide range of liquid dispensers, including rigid bottles, by sealing the liquid inlet and allowing air to enter, reducing spillage and ensuring complete filling without introducing air bubbles into the container.
Implementation Method 1
a one-way valve for allowing air into the hollow body when a pressure within the hollow body is less than ambient pressure
Implementation Method 2
a flexible liquid inlet with an inwardly sloping flexible collar
Data Source
AI summary
A universal adapter device facilitates transfer of liquid from a neck of a liquid dispenser to a receiving container. The device includes a hollow body. The hollow body includes a flexible liquid inlet with an inwardly sloping flexible collar, a liquid outlet, and a one-way valve for allowing air into the hollow body when a pressure within the hollow body is less than ambient pressure.