Vented Funnel Handle Structure to Prevent Liquid Backup
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional funnels cause liquid backup and spilling due to trapped air, especially with high viscosity fluids, leading to inefficient filling and potential spillage, particularly in containers with narrow necks.
Innovation Solution
A multipurpose vented funnel with an integrated self-venting system, featuring a vent passageway between the inner and outer walls, conical grooves, and stabilizing tabs, allowing air to escape safely without spilling.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a conventional funnel is used to fill containers with high viscosity fluids, then the funnel structure is simple, but liquid backup and spilling occur due to trapped air
Solution Approach 1:
The handle is divided into an inner wall and an outer wall with a vent passageway between them, separating the venting function from the liquid flow path. This segmentation allows air to escape through the handle while liquid flows through the spout, preventing backup and spilling without significantly complicating the overall funnel structure
Solution Approach 2:
The vent passageway acts as an intermediary channel that provides a dedicated path for air to escape. Instead of air being trapped in the liquid flow path, the vent passageway mediates the air escape process, allowing smooth filling operation without liquid backup or spilling
2Reliability
If venting is accomplished through the fill hole or space between funnel and nozzle, then the funnel structure remains simple, but air trapping causes liquid backup and spilling
Solution Approach 1:
The vent passageway is pre-configured within the handle structure, establishing an air escape path before filling begins. This preliminary arrangement of the venting system ensures that air can continuously escape during the filling process, preventing air trapping and maintaining smooth filling operation without liquid backup
Solution Approach 2:
The vent passageway serves as an intermediary channel that facilitates air escape independent of the liquid flow path. By providing this dedicated air escape route, the system achieves efficient air venting and smooth filling operation without requiring complex external venting mechanisms
3Reliability
If the funnel is held away from the nozzle to allow venting space, then air can vent through the space, but the funnel lacks stability and support
Solution Approach 1:
The handle is segmented into inner and outer walls with a vent passageway between them, integrating the air venting function directly into the handle structure. This eliminates the need to hold the funnel away from the nozzle for venting space, while the handle's contact with the container opening provides stable support
Solution Approach 2:
The air venting function is merged with the handle structure through the vent passageway. Instead of requiring separate venting space between the funnel and nozzle, the vent passageway combines air escape capability with the handle's structural role, providing both stable support and reliable air venting
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 integrated venting system prevents liquid backup and spilling, ensuring efficient and safe filling of containers with various fluids, including high viscosity liquids.
Implementation Method 1
The present invention relates to a funnel, having multiple features and functions, and more particularly, a multipurpose vented funnel, having an integrated self-venting system for use in filling reservoirs and/or containers... The primary object of the present invention is to provide a multipurpose vented funnel with a self-contained venting system, which is designed to rapidly vent air or gas, in a safe manner, from a container being filled
Implementation Method 2
Within the funnel's inner sidewall, conical grooves to prevent the spatters and/or blockage, extending linearly and generally vertically from the top of the funnel opening to the top of the downspout
Implementation Method 3
The downspout of the funnel includes stabilizing tabs outwardly projected from the downspout, to aid in the stability and supporting of the funnel, in a generally upright orientation when positioned within an opening of a receiving container
Data Source
AI summary
A multipurpose vented funnel is a device for funneling liquid, wherein the device includes a conical hollow body, having a wide top opening, directed into a smaller outlet spout. The inner wall of the conical hollow body includes a linear pattern of grooves, extending horizontally from the top of the inner wall to the bottom. The outer wall of the conical hollow body has a handle, which is part of a rectangular passageway for the venting of air or gas, from a reservoir and/or container. In addition, a plurality of stabilizer tabs, outwardly project from the outlet spout for the stable supporting of the funnel inside or reservoirs and/or containers.