Vented Bottle With Liquid Seal Venting Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing bottle venting systems can lead to vacuum accumulation, discomfort due to air ingestion, and excessive leakage during feeding, which affects the natural flow of fluid for infants.
Innovation Solution
A nursing bottle design featuring a vent bulb and tube system with a vent manifold that allows continuous venting, preventing vacuum formation and minimizing leakage, by establishing a fluid communication path between the bottle, nipple, and atmosphere, ensuring a natural flow of fluid during feeding.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stress or pressure
If a venting system is added to allow air to enter the bottle during feeding, then vacuum accumulation is prevented, but air ingestion causes discomfort for infants
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a liquid intermediary mechanism where the vent conduit is positioned to allow liquid to flow over it, creating a liquid seal that mediates between the need for air entry and the need to prevent air ingestion. The liquid acts as a barrier that allows pressure equalization while blocking air pathways to the infant
Solution Approach 2:
The venting function is segmented into separate components: the vent conduit provides the air entry pathway, while the liquid seal mechanism provides the air blocking function. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function without compromising the other, resolving the contradiction between vacuum prevention and air ingestion prevention
2Productivity
If a venting system is implemented to prevent vacuum formation, then fluid flow is improved, but excessive leakage occurs during feeding
Solution Approach 1:
The venting system employs a dynamic liquid seal that adapts to different operational states. During feeding, the liquid level dynamically adjusts to maintain the seal, allowing fluid flow while preventing leakage. The system transitions between states based on liquid level and flow conditions, resolving the contradiction between maintaining fluid flow and preventing leakage
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 provides continuous venting with low risk of leakage, preventing vacuum formation and aeration, resulting in a more natural fluid flow for the baby, reducing gasping and gulping during feeding.
Implementation Method 1
The vent manifold defines a first aperture providing fluid communication between the container and the interior nipple volume, a second aperture providing fluid communication between the tube and the interior bulb volume
Implementation Method 2
a vent conduit providing fluid communication between the interior bulb volume and atmosphere
Implementation Method 3
The vent conduit extends to a conduit opening spaced from a lowermost extent of the interior bulb volume with the nipple pointing upward, such that liquid within the vent bulb but below the conduit opening drains into the tube
Data Source
AI summary
In one aspect of the invention features nursing bottle. The nursing bottle includes a container for holding a liquid and having a rim defining an open end and a nipple assembly secured to the container at the open end. The nipple assembly includes a flexible nipple extending away from the container and defining an interior nipple volume, a vent bulb disposed within the interior nipple volume and defining an interior bulb volume, a tube extending into the container to a distal end disposed in a closed end of the container, and a vent manifold. The vent manifold defines a first aperture providing fluid communication between the container and the interior nipple volume, a second aperture providing fluid communication between the tube and the interior bulb volume, and a vent conduit providing fluid communication between the interior bulb volume and atmosphere.