Vented Funnel Assembly Air Passage Design
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing funnel devices do not effectively ventilate air from receptacles while liquid is being poured, leading to potential air pressure buildup and bubble formation.
Innovation Solution
A vented funnel assembly comprising a first funnel insertable into a receptacle's neck and a nested second funnel with an air passage between them, allowing air to escape as liquid is poured into the second funnel.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If a sealed funnel is used to transfer liquids, then atmospheric contamination is prevented, but air pressure buildup occurs causing bubble formation
Solution Approach 1:
The funnel is divided into two separate funnels (first funnel and second funnel) that are nested together but separated by a spacing element. This segmentation creates an air passage between the funnels while maintaining the sealed structure, allowing air to escape without compromising the seal against atmospheric contamination.
Solution Approach 2:
A spacing element acts as an intermediary component between the first and second funnels. This spacing element creates the air passage that mediates between the sealed liquid transfer path and the atmospheric environment, enabling air pressure relief while maintaining the sealed container integrity.
2Productivity
If a single sealed funnel is used, then liquid transfer is efficient, but air venting is insufficient leading to bubble formation
Solution Approach 1:
The second funnel is nested within the first funnel, creating a compact dual-funnel structure. This nesting arrangement maintains the efficiency of single-funnel liquid transfer while adding the air venting capability through the spaced-apart configuration, ensuring bubble-free pouring.
3Device complexity
If funnels are placed close together for compactness, then device size is reduced, but air passage for venting is blocked
Solution Approach 1:
The spacing element is positioned strategically at specific locations between the first and second funnels to create air passages. This local spacing approach maintains overall compactness of the funnel assembly while providing sufficient air venting pathways where needed most - at the interface between the nested funnels.
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 air passage in the funnel assembly prevents air pressure buildup and bubble formation within the receptacle, ensuring smooth and spill-free pouring of liquids.
Implementation Method 1
the air passage can ventilate air from the receptacle while the liquid is being poured into the receptacle
Data Source
AI summary
A vented funnel assembly for venting a receptacle while liquid is poured into the receptacle includes a first funnel that is insertable into a neck of a receptacle. A second funnel is nested in the first funnel and a liquid can be poured into the second funnel when the first funnel is inserted into the neck of the receptacle. The second funnel is separated from the first funnel to define an air passage between the first funnel and the second funnel. In this way the air passage can ventilate air within the receptacle when the liquid is poured into the second funnel.