Ventilation Lid Valve Prevents Liquid Leakage

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing liquid spraying device lids with ventilation systems fail to prevent liquid from flowing out during use, particularly when the container is inverted, and often protrude, making them unsuitable for space-saving storage.

Innovation Solution

A lid with a ventilation system featuring a valve and tube configuration that allows air flow while preventing liquid flow, with the tube extending into the container and sealed by a valve to prevent liquid egress, allowing for reliable venting without the need for opening or closing the vent during use, and enabling easy refilling by separating from the container.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a labyrinth seal is used as a vent opening to prevent liquid flow, then liquid leakage is reduced, but the lid protrudes and cannot be stored in a space-saving manner

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveliquid leakage preventionVSAvoidstorage space

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The vent duct is nested within the lid body structure, with the duct inlet end extending from the exterior surface and the duct outlet end extending from the interior surface. The cap with interior air chamber is nested over the duct inlet end, creating a compact integrated structure that prevents liquid leakage without protruding from the lid.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

2Productivity

If a vent opening is opened when the container is inverted for spraying, then liquid can flow out, but if it remains closed, air cannot enter the container creating negative pressure

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvespraying efficiencyVSAvoidliquid containment

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The valve automatically responds to pressure differential across the vent duct. When the container is inverted for spraying, negative pressure inside the container causes the valve to open, allowing air to enter through the vent duct. When the container is upright, positive pressure keeps the valve closed, preventing liquid leakage. This self-regulating mechanism eliminates the need for manual operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

3Reliability

If the vent opening is closed manually to prevent liquid leakage, then liquid containment is improved, but operation becomes cumbersome and timing is critical

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveliquid containmentVSAvoidventing operation

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

4Productivity

If the tube outlet end is positioned below the liquid level, then venting is effective, but liquid flows out through the tube

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveventing efficiencyVSAvoidliquid leakage prevention

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The valve acts as an intermediary between the interior air chamber and the tube outlet end. It allows air to pass through the tube when pressure differential opens the valve during spraying, but prevents liquid from flowing out through the tube by closing under positive pressure when the container is upright or overfilled.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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 ensures uninterrupted liquid flow and prevents liquid from escaping during spraying and refilling processes, allowing for efficient operation and space-efficient storage by maintaining a liquid-tight seal, even when the container is inverted.

Implementation Method 1

A valve is disposed in the vent duct and is configured to permit air flow in a first direction, from the duct inlet end to the duct outlet end, while preventing liquid flow in a second direction opposite the first direction

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectOne-way flow valve mechanism: Valve

Implementation Method 2

The tube serves as an extension of the ventilation hole into the inside of the container and is sealed at a proximal end by the valve in a liquid tight manner

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectLiquid-tight seal:

Implementation Method 3

A cap extends over the duct inlet end, the cap including a cap interior surface defining an interior air chamber, communicating with the vent conduit, and at least a first passage, communicating between the interior air chamber and a first cap inlet

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectAir flow through passages:

Data Source

PatentUS10919676B2Lid with ventilation system

Publication Date: 2021.02.16 EMM HLDG BV

AI summary

A lid, for attachment to a container holding a liquid for use with a liquid spraying device, a vent duct defining a vent conduit extending through a lid body from a duct inlet end to a duct outlet end. A valve is disposed in the vent duct and is configured to permit air flow in a first direction, from the duct inlet end to the duct outlet end, while preventing liquid flow in a second direction opposite the first direction. A cap extends over the duct inlet end, the cap including a cap interior surface defining an interior air chamber, communicating with the vent conduit, and at least a first passage, communicating between the interior air chamber and a first cap inlet. A tube is coupled to the duct outlet end and has a tube outlet end fluidly communicating with an interior of the container.