Adjuster for adjusting the volume of a receptacle
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional fast food receptacles do not adjust volume as the food is consumed, leading to messy eating and environmental pollution due to non-recyclable materials.
Innovation Solution
An adjuster mechanism that includes a floor and displacement mechanism, allowing the volume of the receptacle to be reduced by displacing the floor relative to the receptacle, using biodegradable and recyclable materials, with a stabilizer and biasing mechanism to ensure efficient volume adjustment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the receptacle volume remains fixed during consumption, then the structural simplicity is maintained, but the cleanliness of consumption deteriorates due to messiness
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by transforming the fixed receptacle structure into a dynamic one where the floor can move relative to the receptacle walls. The displacement mechanism allows the floor to be moved along the vertical axis, enabling the receptacle volume to change dynamically during consumption. This resolves the contradiction by providing volume adjustment capability (improving cleanliness) while maintaining reasonable structural complexity through the use of a floor assembly that can be integrated into existing receptacle designs.
2Ease of manufacture
If non-recyclable materials are used for packaging, then the manufacturing cost is reduced, but environmental pollution increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the parameter changes principle by changing the material composition parameter of the receptacle. The specification states that the receptacle can be manufactured from biodegradable, compostable, and/or recyclable materials including starch and/or derivatives thereof. This material parameter change resolves the contradiction by reducing environmental pollution while maintaining manufacturing feasibility through the use of naturally occurring and processable materials.
3Ease of operation
If the receptacle volume does not decrease as food is consumed, then the structural stability is maintained, but the usability deteriorates requiring tearing or folding
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the segmentation principle by dividing the receptacle into distinct functional components: a movable floor assembly and a stationary receptacle body. The floor assembly includes the floor, displacement mechanism, and stabilizer, which can move independently relative to the receptacle walls. This segmentation allows the floor to be displaced for volume adjustment (improving usability) while the receptacle body maintains its structural stability, resolving the contradiction between usability and structural stability.
4Ease of operation
If a displacement mechanism is added to adjust volume, then the cleanliness of consumption is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the self-service principle through the biasing mechanism that automatically returns the floor to its initial position after displacement. The biasing mechanism stores potential energy during floor displacement and releases it to restore the floor, enabling automatic resetting without additional user intervention. This self-service feature reduces the overall system complexity by eliminating the need for complex return mechanisms or multiple actuators, while still providing the volume adjustment capability.
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 clean and efficient consumption of fast food by reducing the receptacle's volume as food is eaten, utilizing eco-friendly materials that reduce waste and pollution.
Implementation Method 1
a biasing mechanism for biasing the arms towards an extended outward position
Data Source
AI summary
An adjuster for adjusting the volume of a receptacle which includes a floor dimensioned to be complementary received by the receptacle, and, a displacement mechanism for displacing the floor relative the receptacle, wherein the volume of the receptacle is adjusted when actuating the displacement mechanism thereby displacing the floor relative the receptacle.