Wireless Spout with Rechargeable Battery and Visual Indicator
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing liquid dispensing systems lack precise control over pouring quantities, are prone to excess liquid dispensing, and require manual activation, with battery-powered solutions facing high power consumption and non-reusability issues, and lack effective indicators for selected pour sizes and easy attachment/removal mechanisms.
Innovation Solution
A pouring device with a silicone tube for liquid flow, an electrically operated valve for controlled dispensing, a multi-angle detection system for precise flow rate measurement, and a visual indicator system for confirming pour sizes, along with a rechargeable design and improved attachment/removal system using a removable and replaceable cork and nut.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If a battery-powered spout system is used to enable wireless dispensing control, then dispensing control and monitoring capability is improved, but power consumption increases and device non-reusability occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a rechargeable battery system where the spout can be recharged multiple times, eliminating the need to discard the entire spout after single use. The battery is designed to be rechargeable, allowing the spout to be recovered and reused, thus resolving the contradiction between automation capability and energy consumption.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual mechanical activation with an electrically operated valve controlled by a microprocessor and wireless receiver. This substitution enables automated wireless control while using a rechargeable battery to power the electronic components, addressing both the automation requirement and the energy consumption issue through intelligent power management.
2Manufacturing precision
If an electrically operated valve is used to control liquid flow, then dispensing precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a flexible silicone tube as the fluid passage instead of rigid mechanical valve components. The silicone tube can be compressed by a simple mechanical element (such as a spring or piston) to control flow, which simplifies the overall device structure while maintaining precise control capability. This flexible approach reduces the complexity associated with traditional electrically operated valves.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the complex electrical valve mechanism and replaces it with a simpler mechanical compression system acting on the silicone tube. The microprocessor and wireless receiver remain, but the fluid control function is achieved through a much simpler mechanical interaction, thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining dispensing precision.
3Speed
If a rigid fluid-flow passageway is used to ensure laminar flow, then flow control is improved, but air bubbles enter the passage and affect pouring precision
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the rigid fluid-flow passageway with a flexible silicone tube. This flexible tube allows air bubbles to escape more easily while maintaining laminar flow characteristics through proper dimensional selection. The flexibility of the silicone tube prevents air entrapment that would occur in rigid passages, thereby preserving pouring precision while maintaining controlled laminar flow.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the material parameter from rigid to flexible (silicone), which fundamentally alters how air bubbles interact with the fluid passage. The flexible material allows dynamic adjustment and bubble escape without compromising the laminar flow regime, thus resolving the contradiction between flow control and pouring precision.
4Ease of manufacture
If a non-removable spout design is used to simplify structure, then manufacturing is easier, but attachment and removal becomes difficult when battery needs recharging
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the spout into removable components, specifically making the spout body separable from the bottle opening. This allows the spout to be easily attached and removed for battery recharging while maintaining structural simplicity. The segmentation enables independent access to the battery compartment without requiring complex disassembly mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent incorporates a pre-designed attachment mechanism (such as a screw thread or snap-fit) that allows for quick and easy attachment to the bottle opening. This preliminary design consideration enables simple attachment and removal operations, resolving the contradiction between manufacturing simplicity and operational ease.
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
Enables precise, controlled, and uniform liquid dispensing with reduced air bubbles, easy attachment and removal, and confirmation of selected pour sizes, while allowing for battery reuse and compatibility with various bottle sizes.
Implementation Method 1
a detection circuit that detects fluid flow through the passageway
Implementation Method 2
a measuring circuit that generates data relating to fluid flow when the detection circuit detects fluid flow through the passageway
Implementation Method 3
A RF Transceiver is provided to communicate with an outside master unit for dispensing data
Implementation Method 4
a magnetic force within the stopper is provided by a coil which affects an armature so that a gasket at both ends of the rod may be caused to assume two positions
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments of the present invention provide a pouring device for a container for the dosing of liquid. The pouring device has various features intended to ease use, including an improved removal and attachment system and a system to identify and visually illustrate selected pour sizes. In a specific embodiment, the pouring device has a colored light or LED indicator system that allows the user to quickly and easily confirm the selected pour size. Embodiments may also include one or more features that ease attachment and removal of the pouring device to a liquid container, such as a replaceable cork system.