Viscous Liquid Transfer System Using Gravity and Interlocking Lids
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing systems for transferring viscous liquids from one container to another are inefficient, often resulting in waste and environmental contamination, as they require significant user effort, are not adaptable to different container sizes and shapes, and can lead to spillage.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising a first transfer lid, a second transfer lid, and a transfer adapter that allows for the efficient transfer of viscous liquids between containers of varying sizes and shapes without user intervention, preventing spillage and damage to containers, by utilizing a downwardly disposed outlet spout and an upwardly disposed inlet spout with a tubular adapter connecting the two.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the container is placed upside down to allow viscous liquid to pour out, then the liquid can flow from the container, but a significant amount of liquid remains in the container and is difficult to transfer completely
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a transfer device consisting of a transfer container and transfer spout that acts as an intermediary between the source container and destination container. The transfer spout extends into the source container to reach liquid at the bottom, and the transfer container collects and redirects the liquid, enabling complete extraction without manual pouring
2Productivity
If the container is squeezed to force product out, then more liquid can be transferred, but the container may be damaged or the process requires significant user effort
Solution Approach 1:
The transfer device enables self-service liquid extraction by utilizing gravity and the container's own structure. The source container is simply inverted and placed on the transfer device, and the liquid flows out automatically through the transfer spout without requiring the user to squeeze or manually manipulate the container
3Ease of operation
If the container is stored upside down to gather liquid near the top, then liquid can be accessed more easily, but the container may leak or require special storage conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the liquid from the container using the transfer device with its extended spout that reaches into the container bottom. By actively removing the liquid through the transfer mechanism rather than relying on passive storage positioning, the container's sealing integrity is preserved while still enabling complete liquid recovery
4Productivity
If the liquid is heated to reduce viscosity, then the liquid flows more easily, but the liquid may be damaged or lose its desired properties
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of heating the liquid to improve flow, the patent inverts the approach by mechanically extending the transfer spout to reach the liquid at the bottom of the container and using gravity to drive the flow. This alternative method achieves complete liquid extraction without subjecting the liquid to thermal treatment that could damage its properties
5Loss of substance
If the container opening is aligned closely with the receiving container opening to prevent spillage, then liquid transfer is cleaner, but the setup requires precise positioning and support apparatus
Solution Approach 1:
The transfer device features a nested structure where the transfer spout extends into the source container, the transfer container collects the liquid, and the entire assembly integrates these components in a compact nested arrangement. This eliminates the need for separate support apparatus while maintaining precise alignment and preventing spillage
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 effectively transfers all viscous liquid from one container to another without user effort, is adaptable to different container sizes and shapes, and prevents spillage, reducing waste and environmental impact.
Implementation Method 1
a downwardly disposed outlet spout which defines a discharge opening... an upwardly disposed inlet spout that defines an inlet opening... utilizing a downwardly disposed outlet spout and an upwardly disposed inlet spout with a tubular adapter connecting the two
Data Source
AI summary
A system for transferring a viscous liquid between containers that comprises a first container from which the liquid is to be drained, a second container for receiving the liquid, a first transfer lid that attaches to the first container, a second transfer lid that attaches to the second container and a transfer adapter that interconnects the lids. The first transfer lid has an outlet spout received into the transfer adapter, which is received in an inlet spout of the second transfer lid. The first container is inverted over the second container to drain liquid from the first container lid to the second container through the connected container lids. In an another configuration, the system is used with bottles and comprises a pair of bottle connectors that each engage a bottle and have interlocking members that join the connecters. In another embodiment liquid is transferred between a bottle and a container.