Flexible Bladder Dispenser With Stopper-Based Portion Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing dispensers for sauces and similar products lack consistency in dispensing due to varying user squeezing forces and techniques, leading to inconsistent portion sizes.
Innovation Solution
A dispensing device comprising a rigid container with a flexible bladder and a rigid stopper having through holes, where the stopper acts as a physical limit to control the dispensing amount, eliminating user variability and ensuring consistent portioning.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a flexible container or squeeze bladder is utilized for dispensing, then the dispensing operation is simple and easy to perform, but the dispensing consistency and portion control are poor due to varying user squeezing forces
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the parameter of portion control from being user-dependent (variable squeezing force) to being device-determined (fixed stopper position). The stopper is positioned at a specific depth within the bladder to control the maximum dispensing volume, transforming the system from manual control to mechanical control with consistent parameters across different users.
Solution Approach 2:
The stopper acts as an intermediary element between the user's squeezing action and the product flow. It mediates the variable human input by providing a fixed mechanical limit, allowing users to squeeze freely while the stopper ensures consistent portion delivery by blocking further flow at the predetermined depth.
2Adaptability or versatility
If different users apply different squeezing techniques and strengths, then various dispensing speeds and amounts are achieved, but consistent portioning cannot be ensured
Solution Approach 1:
The dispensing system is segmented into two independent functional components: the squeezing mechanism (which handles user flexibility and adaptability) and the portion control mechanism (the stopper that ensures consistency). This segmentation allows each component to optimize its specific function without compromising the other.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of trying to control the user's squeezing force to achieve consistency (controlling the input), the invention inverts the approach by controlling the output flow path with a stopper. The system accepts variable input and uses the stopper to enforce consistent output, reversing the traditional control logic from input-control to output-control.
3Device complexity
If manual squeezing is used for dispensing, then no additional mechanical components are needed, but portion accuracy and control are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The stopper provides self-regulating portion control without requiring external measurement devices, electronic sensors, or complex mechanical mechanisms. The system serves itself by using the stopper's fixed position to automatically limit the dispensing volume, eliminating the need for users to measure or estimate portions.
Data Source
AI summary
The invention is directed to a dispensing device comprising a rigid container, a flexible bladder, and a rigid stopper. The container is adapted to contain a product to be dispensed. The flexible bladder is disposed below and in fluid communication with the container. The bladder comprises a top end, a sidewall extending downwardly from the top end and terminates in a spout. The bladder is in a liquid tight engagement with the container and the product contained in the container is adapted to flow into the bladder. The rigid stopper is disposed within the flexible bladder and comprises a top end, and at least one sidewall extending downwardly from the top end, and terminates in an open bottom end. The stopper comprises a plurality of through holes.