Viscous Liquid Transfer Adapter with Interlocking Connectors
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing systems for transferring viscous liquids between containers are inefficient, often resulting in waste and contamination, as they fail to effectively recover all liquid without spilling or requiring container modification, and are not adaptable to different sizes and shapes.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising transfer lids and an adapter that allows for seamless transfer between containers of varying sizes and shapes, using a tubular adapter to connect spouts and edges, ensuring gravity-driven flow without user effort and preventing spills.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If pouring is used to transfer viscous liquid between containers, then the transfer process is simple, but a significant amount of liquid remains in the source container and spills during transfer
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a transfer adapter as an intermediary device that connects between the source container and receiving container. This adapter includes a receiving portion that fits over the source container opening and a dispensing portion that directs liquid flow, enabling complete transfer without spilling while maintaining operational simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
The transfer adapter is designed with nested components where the dispensing portion fits within the receiving portion. The adapter itself nests over the container opening, creating a compact integrated system that facilitates complete liquid transfer without requiring complex external equipment.
2Loss of substance
If the container is squeezed to force product out, then more liquid can be recovered, but the container structure must be modified and may damage the container
Solution Approach 1:
The invention separates the transfer function from the container structure by using a removable transfer adapter. This segmentation allows complete liquid recovery through the adapter's pumping and directing mechanisms without requiring any permanent modification to the container, preserving the container's original structure while achieving full liquid extraction.
3Ease of operation
If heating is used to reduce viscosity, then the liquid flows more easily, but the product consistency may be compromised and energy is consumed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces thermal energy input with a mechanical pumping system within the transfer adapter. The pump mechanism actively moves the viscous liquid through the adapter without heating, preserving the product's original consistency while enabling complete transfer. This mechanical substitution eliminates the need for energy-consuming heating processes.
4Loss of substance
If the container is stored upside down to gather liquid, then gravity facilitates flow, but the container design must support this position and may be messy
Solution Approach 1:
The transfer adapter serves as an intermediary that enables liquid transfer without requiring the container to be positioned upside down. The adapter's pump and directing mechanisms facilitate complete liquid extraction regardless of container orientation, eliminating the need for gravity-dependent positioning while preventing messiness.
5Loss of substance
If alignment is attempted to eliminate spillage, then the transfer process becomes complex and requires support apparatus
Solution Approach 1:
The transfer adapter acts as an intermediary device that prevents spillage through its internal pump and directed flow path, eliminating the need for precise alignment between containers. The adapter's design inherently controls liquid flow direction, allowing transfer without complex support apparatus or careful positioning.
Solution Approach 2:
The transfer adapter is pre-positioned on the source container before transfer begins. The pump mechanism is activated to draw liquid into the adapter's reservoir, preliminary action that prevents spillage before the liquid reaches the receiving container, eliminating the need for complex alignment procedures.
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 system enables complete transfer of viscous liquids without spilling or damaging containers, is adaptable to different sizes and shapes, and is easy to use, reducing waste and environmental impact.
Implementation Method 1
using gravity-driven flow without user effort
Data Source
AI summary
A system for transferring a viscous liquid between bottles that comprises a first bottle from which liquid is to be drained, a second bottle for receiving the liquid, a first bottle connector that attaches to the first bottle and a second bottle connector that attaches to the second bottle. Each bottle connector has a bottle engaging section that engages the bottle and a connection section that engages the connection section on an opposing bottle connector. Each connection section is genderless and comprises a plurality of outwardly extending members and a member receiving section between each adjacent members. When used to drain fluids from one bottle to another, an outwardly extending member of one connector is received in a member receiving section of the other connector to place the outwardly extending members in interlocking relation. The connection section can comprise a locking mechanism to lockingly join the two connectors together.