Integrated Cap-Spoon Dispenser for Leak-Safe Measured Feeding
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing packaging solutions for substances like baby food and medicines are not safe, convenient, or easy to use, particularly during travel, as they often lead to leaks, are bulky, and pose choking hazards due to separate pieces or sharp edges, and do not allow for easy measurement or dosing.
Innovation Solution
A unitarily constructed, flexible packaging system that integrates a dispensing/feeding implement as a cap, allowing for secure, leak-proof dispensing and easy measurement, with a tamper-resistant seal and ergonomic design for safe handling, eliminating the need for separate utensils and reducing waste.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a glass jar is used for baby food packaging, then the package is secure and protective, but it is breakable and poses safety hazards
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from rigid glass material to flexible plastic material, fundamentally changing the physical parameters of the packaging. This allows the package to be deformable and flexible rather than rigid and breakable, eliminating the safety hazard while maintaining protective function through a different material state
2Ease of operation
If a plastic container with separate lid and spoon is used, then the package is easier to transport, but it poses choking hazards due to separate pieces
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the lid and spoon into a single integrated unit that cannot be separated. The spoon is permanently attached to the lid structure, eliminating small detachable parts that could pose choking hazards while maintaining the convenience of having both components available during use
Solution Approach 2:
The lid structure serves multiple functions: it seals the container when closed, provides a handle for carrying, and incorporates the spoon for feeding. This multi-functional design eliminates the need for separate components, reducing the risk of choking hazards from detached parts
3Ease of operation
If a pouch structure with straw is used, then the package is more convenient to transport, but it does not allow for easy measurement or dosing
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates measurement markings specifically on the spoon portion of the integrated lid-spoon assembly. This localized addition of measurement capability allows for precise dosing without compromising the overall convenience of the pouch structure or requiring additional components
4Ease of manufacture
If a pouch with sharp protruding edges is used, then the package is easier to manufacture, but it is potentially hazardous and uncomfortable to handle
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs the pouch with rounded corners and curved edges instead of sharp protruding angles. This curvature modification eliminates the hazardous sharp edges while maintaining the flexible pouch structure, making it safer and more comfortable to handle during use and storage
5Area of stationary object
If glass jars are stacked for storage, then shelf space is utilized, but it is a hazard as they may fall and break
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the physical state of the packaging from rigid glass to flexible plastic, which fundamentally alters the stacking characteristics. The flexible pouches can be stacked safely without the risk of breaking, while still effectively utilizing shelf space through their deformable nature
Data Source
AI summary
The present application relates to a self-contained, hand-held dispenser for providing a user-determined amount of a substance. The hand-held dispenser includes a hand-squeezable reservoir that is structured to enable the dispenser to be readily stackable with other such dispensers. The hand-help dispenser further includes a dispensing portion that protectively seals a substance stored in the reservoir and is further configured to control dispensation of the substance for a user-predetermined purpose, such as for consumption of the substance. Further still, the dispenser includes a cover having a first and a second position for providing access to the reservoir and/or dosing a substance contained therein.