Angled Spout Timer for Liquid Dispensing Precision
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing liquid composition dispensing systems face challenges in accurately dispensing measured quantities due to irregular flow rates and air interference, making it difficult for consumers to use the correct amount of liquid laundry products, leading to dissatisfaction with performance or load capacity.
Innovation Solution
A container with a fitment system featuring an angled spout, immobile partial obstruction, and a separate timer mechanism that allows for precise dispensing by indicating the completion of a desired volume through visible dosing indicia, ensuring consistent flow and minimizing user effort.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a conventional dispensing system is used, then the device complexity is low, but the measurement precision of liquid quantity dispensed is poor
Solution Approach 1:
The dispensing system is segmented into distinct functional components: a spout assembly for liquid flow control, a separate timer mechanism for time-based measurement, and a vent system for air displacement. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function optimally while maintaining overall system manageability and precision in liquid quantity measurement.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a timer as an intermediary device that mediates between the user and the liquid dispensing process. Instead of directly measuring liquid volume, the timer measures time, which indirectly corresponds to a specific liquid quantity through controlled flow rate. This intermediary approach simplifies the measurement process while improving precision.
2Measurement precision
If the flow rate is not constant, then the ease of operation is high, but the measurement precision of liquid quantity dispensed is poor
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts the dispensing process through time-based control. The timer mechanism provides dynamic feedback to the user about the dispensing duration, allowing the flow rate to vary naturally while maintaining measurement precision through temporal control rather than requiring constant flow rate.
Solution Approach 2:
The timer provides feedback to the user about the dispensing process progress and completion. This feedback mechanism allows users to understand how much liquid has been dispensed without requiring constant monitoring of flow rate or volume, maintaining both ease of operation and measurement precision.
3Measurement precision
If air enters the container to replace displaced liquid, then the ease of operation is maintained, but the measurement precision of liquid quantity dispensed is poor
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the air displacement function from the main liquid dispensing pathway by providing a separate vent system. This allows air to enter the container through a dedicated pathway rather than interfering with the liquid flow, maintaining ease of operation while improving measurement precision of the liquid quantity being dispensed.
4Manufacturing precision
If the spout is angled at a specific angle, then the manufacturing precision is improved, but the ease of operation is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent specifies a range of acceptable angles (10 to 85 degrees) rather than a single precise angle, allowing for manufacturing flexibility while maintaining functional performance. This parameter approach balances manufacturing precision requirements with ease of operation, as the specific angle value within the range can be optimized for both fabrication and user experience.
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 solution enables accurate and efficient dispensing of liquid compositions, reducing user effort and ensuring the right amount is used each time, thereby enhancing product performance and load capacity without waste.
Implementation Method 1
a spout having an upstream spout inlet and a downstream spout outlet and a spout wall extending from said spout inlet to said spout outlet, wherein said spout inlet has a spout inlet invert and said spout outlet has a spout outlet invert and a straight line connecting said spout inlet invert and said spout outlet invert is oriented at an angle from about 10 to about 85 degrees above said phreatic surface
Implementation Method 2
an immobile partial obstruction in line with and upstream of said spout outlet
Implementation Method 3
a vent comprising an entrance spaced apart from said spout outlet and a vent wall extending from said entrance to an exit, wherein said exit is in fluid communication with said spout inlet
Implementation Method 4
a floor extending at least partially around said spout and outwardly away from said spout and a channel wall extending from said floor in a direction away from said spout inlet to define a drain-back channel between said spout and said channel wall, wherein said floor is sloped to said entrance or to a hole in fluid communication with said spout inlet
Data Source
AI summary
A container including a container body, a liquid composition contained in the container body, and a fitment. The fitment includes a timer and a spout oriented at an angle from the phreatic surface of the liquid composition contained in the container body.