Wing-Shaped Water Bladder with V-Funnel for Ergonomic Hydration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing wearable water bladder systems are bulky, difficult to access during physical activities, and often clog due to their shape, failing to provide efficient hydration while minimizing sweat and heat transfer.
Innovation Solution
A wing-shaped liquid bladder with angular shoulder wings, a V-shaped funnel, and adjustable shoulder straps for ergonomic wear, combined with a silicone/plastic blend material and features like a cooling straw and fluid flow sensor, to ensure comfortable, accessible, and hygienic hydration.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If a rigid metal or plastic container is used, then the container can hold water, but it is too bulky to carry and use while engaging in activities
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a flexible bladder made of thin film material to replace rigid metal or plastic containers. This flexible shell maintains water containment while dramatically reducing bulk and weight, enabling easy portability during physical activities without sacrificing storage capacity
2Ease of operation
If a straw is attached to the bottom of a water bag, then the user can access liquid, but the container collapses around the straw opening clogging the suction system
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a curved or domed bottom design in the bladder instead of a flat bottom. This curvature prevents the flexible material from collapsing completely around the straw opening at the lowest point, maintaining an open channel for liquid flow and preventing clogging of the suction system during use
Solution Approach 2:
The patent positions the straw opening at a specific location on the bladder bottom and pre-configures the bladder shape to ensure liquid always pools near the opening. This preliminary arrangement of liquid and structure ensures continuous access without requiring the user to manipulate the system during use
3Ease of operation
If a separate container unit is used to carry the water bag, then the water bag can be held when the user is in motion, but the container shields the user from sweat produced by the liquids
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates the water bladder directly into the wearable harness structure, merging the container function with the support structure. This eliminates the need for a separate outer container that would trap sweat, while the breathable materials in the harness allow sweat vapor to escape, reducing harmful heat and moisture buildup against the user's body
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical containment approach of a separate rigid or semi-rigid outer container with a flexible bladder integrated into a soft, breathable harness. This substitution allows the system to provide structural support while maintaining breathability, enabling sweat vapor transmission and reducing heat trapping
4Quantity of substance
If a square or rectangular shape water bag is used, then the container can hold adequate water, but all the liquid cannot be accessed as the water retreats to the corners of the bag
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a curved, dome-shaped or rounded bottom design in the bladder instead of flat corners. This curvature ensures that gravity naturally directs liquid toward the central lowest point where the straw opening is located, preventing liquid from retreating to inaccessible corners and ensuring complete liquid access throughout the container
Data Source
AI summary
A “Wing-shaped” liquid bladder device is disclosed having angular shoulder wings on the left and right sides. The wings join at an angle creating a substantially “V-Shaped” hollow volume for storing liquids. A re-sealable opening receptacle can be found on top the bladder for filling the hollow volume. One or more additional arms can be added to the wings. The wings and arms meet at a lower distal end to create a substantially “V-shaped” funnel that is attached to an outlet pipe. In the front, shoulder straps are attached to the wings and they go over and across the front of the wearer's body to a lower portion of the arms of the bladder. The outlet pipe is attached to the funnel and extends up to the wearer's shoulder. A drinking straw can be attached to the outlet pipe to allow the user to easily access the liquids inside.