Vented Spout With Dynamic Air Duct And Child-Resistant Valve
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vented spouts for liquid-storage containers face limitations in efficiently managing air flow and liquid flow during transfer, particularly in preventing accidental opening by children and ensuring consistent liquid flow without spillage.
Innovation Solution
A vented pouring spout with a built-in shutoff valve and child-resistant closure (CRC) device, featuring a biasing element and a unique air and liquid duct design that ensures air enters only when liquid is flowing, and automatically adjusts flow based on the spout's immersion status, while the CRC device prevents accidental opening by children.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a vented spout allows air to enter the container during liquid transfer, then liquid flow is maintained, but air may enter when liquid is not flowing causing spillage
Solution Approach 1:
The air duct is configured to be dynamically open only during liquid flow conditions. The duct extends from the tip toward the valve, and liquid flow naturally opens the duct while liquid is passing through, allowing air to enter. When liquid flow stops, the duct closes automatically, preventing air from entering and causing spillage. This dynamic behavior resolves the contradiction by making the air venting function conditional on actual liquid flow.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses the liquid flow itself as feedback to control air duct opening. The presence of liquid flow through the spout automatically opens the air duct, and the cessation of flow closes it. This self-regulating feedback mechanism ensures air enters only when needed (during liquid transfer) and prevents spillage when pouring stops.
2Speed
If a valve is made easily operable for quick opening, then response time is reduced, but it may become easily opened by children
Solution Approach 1:
The valve operation is segmented into two distinct actions: unlocking the CRC device and then opening the valve. The CRC device acts as a separate security layer that must be activated first (requiring significant force or manipulation beyond child capability), and only after successful unlocking can the valve be opened normally. This segmentation maintains fast response for authorized users while providing child resistance through the intermediate security step.
Solution Approach 2:
The CRC device requires preliminary action (unlocking) before the valve can be opened. This preliminary security measure must be performed first, and only after successful unlocking does the valve become operable. The preliminary action creates a barrier against child access while maintaining quick operation for adults who can perform the unlocking sequence.
3Speed
If the air duct is larger to allow faster air entry, then liquid flow response is improved, but liquid may enter the air duct causing malfunction
Solution Approach 1:
The air duct's effective opening size is dynamically controlled by liquid flow conditions. During liquid transfer, the duct opens sufficiently to allow rapid air entry that matches liquid flow rate. When liquid flow stops, the duct closes to prevent liquid intrusion. This dynamic sizing resolves the contradiction by making the duct large enough for fast air flow when needed but small/closed when liquid presence could cause problems.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses liquid flow presence as feedback to control air duct opening. The duct opens in response to liquid flow, allowing fast air entry when liquid is moving. When liquid flow ceases, feedback closes the duct, preventing liquid from entering and causing malfunction. This feedback-based control ensures the duct is large enough for rapid air flow only under safe conditions.
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 spout maximizes liquid output, ensures fast response times, maintains constant flow, and prevents accidental spills by automatically adjusting flow and locking the valve when not in use, enhancing safety and efficiency during pouring.
Implementation Method 1
A biasing element, such as a compression helical spring, is positioned between the first member and the second member to urge the valve towards the closed position
Implementation Method 2
a gravity transfer of liquids from a container into a receptacle
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4A
Figure 4B
AI summary
The spout (100) includes a first member (104) and a second member (106). The first member (104) includes an elongated and generally tubular first main body (134) having at least two longitudinally extending internal passageways, one being an air duct (142) and the other being a liquid duct (143). The air duct (142) ends with at least one constricted opening (180) through which the air circuit exits the air duct (142). A valve (140) is provided at the rear end of the first main body (134) and is made integral therewith. The valve (140) engages a valve seat (162) provided at the rear end of an inner conduit (152) positioned inside the second member (106) and in which a rear section (138) of the first main body (134) is slidingly movable. The spout (100) may be provided with a child-resistant closure (CRC) device (130).