Adaptable Fluid Control Systems
Legal Citation
Summary of the Inventive Concept
This inventive concept presents a versatile, container-based fluid control system with a valve unit and a nozzle/teat, applicable to various industries, including firefighting, laboratory settings, medical devices, and fuel dispensing.
Background and Problem Solved
The original baby bottle device patent, while innovative in its field, was limited to a specific application. This new inventive concept addresses the need for a more versatile fluid control system, capable of being adapted to diverse industries and use cases, thereby expanding its potential impact and commercial value.
Detailed Description of the Inventive Concept
The adaptable fluid control system consists of a container with a container volume, a nozzle/teat attached to the container, and a valve unit arranged outside the nozzle/teat volume. The valve unit controls the flow of fluid between the container and the nozzle/teat. In the context of firefighting, the system is used to control the flow of fire extinguishing agents; in laboratory settings, it dispenses chemical substances; in medical devices, it controls the flow of medical fluids; and in fuel dispensing, it regulates the flow of fuel. The system's adaptability lies in its modular design, allowing the nozzle/teat and valve unit to be easily swapped or modified to accommodate different fluid types and industry requirements.
Novelty and Inventive Step
The new claims introduce a novel, non-obvious application of the original baby bottle device's core technology to entirely new industries and use cases, thereby expanding its scope and potential impact. The inventive step lies in the recognition of the versatility of the original design and its potential for adaptation to diverse fluid control applications.
Alternative Embodiments and Variations
Alternative embodiments of the adaptable fluid control system could include varying nozzle/teat designs, different valve unit configurations, or the integration of sensors and automation to enhance system performance and safety. Variations could also include the use of different materials, sizes, or shapes of containers to accommodate specific industry requirements.
Potential Commercial Applications and Market
The adaptable fluid control system has significant commercial potential across various industries, including firefighting, laboratory settings, medical devices, and fuel dispensing. The system's versatility and modular design make it an attractive solution for companies seeking to improve efficiency, safety, and performance in fluid control applications.
CPC Classifications
| Section | Class | Group |
|---|---|---|
| A | A61 | A61J11/02 |
| A | A61 | A61J9/04 |
| A | A61 | A61J11/04 |
Section 103 Obviousness Analysis (PHOSITA)
Field of Art
Fluid delivery systems, specifically medical and consumer devices involving containers with controlled fluid dispensing mechanisms, with expertise in fluid dynamics, valve design, and container-nozzle interface engineering
Person of Ordinary Skill (PHOSITA) Profile
A mechanical engineer or product designer with 3-5 years experience in medical device or consumer product design, familiar with fluid control systems, valve mechanisms, and cross-industry technology adaptation strategies
Obviousness Rationale
A PHOSITA would recognize the fundamental fluid control principles in the source patent's baby bottle design are universally applicable across multiple technical domains. The core technical elements - a container, a nozzle/teat with air flow valves, and an external valve unit controlling fluid transfer - represent a modular, transferable system design. The variations presented in the PTD merely substitute domain-specific terminology and minor structural adaptations while maintaining the essential technical configuration.
Obvious Combinations & Variations
Original Patent Information
| Patent Number | US 11,857,501 |
|---|---|
| Title | Baby bottle device |
| Assignee(s) | Koninklijke Philips N.V. |