Container Scoop Retention Structure
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Powdered product containers with threaded closures often result in scoops sinking into the product during shipping, causing a messy situation for consumers, as existing solutions fail to efficiently separate and store scoops from the product.
Innovation Solution
The scoop is retained within the container adjacent to the closure, either on a liner or supported by a channel/slot in the container mouth, using a glue dot or a basket, to prevent sinking and allow easy retrieval by the consumer.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the scoop is placed directly in the container with the powdered product, then the consumer can easily access the scoop, but the scoop will sink into the powder during shipping causing a messy situation
Solution Approach 1:
The container interior is segmented into two functional zones: an upper storage area adjacent to the closure for holding the scoop, and the lower product area for containing the powdered product. This spatial segmentation prevents the scoop from contacting and sinking into the powder while remaining easily accessible to the consumer.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of storing the scoop vertically within the product depth (one dimension), the invention positions the scoop horizontally in the radial dimension adjacent to the closure. This dimensional change allows the scoop to be readily accessible while separated from the powder product.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If a separate storage mechanism is introduced to prevent scoop sinking, then the scoop sinking problem is solved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The scoop storage function is merged with the existing closure structure of the container. The closure serves dual purposes: sealing the product and providing an adjacent storage area for the scoop. This integration avoids adding separate complex storage mechanisms while effectively preventing scoop sinking.
Solution Approach 2:
The closure area is given multiple functions: it continues to serve as the sealing element for the container while simultaneously providing the storage space for the scoop. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for additional dedicated scoop storage structures, maintaining simplicity.
3Ease of operation
If the scoop is stored adjacent to the closure, then the scoop remains accessible and clean, but the container mouth structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The container mouth structure is modified locally with minimal changes: a small ledge or recess is created adjacent to the closure opening to hold the scoop. The rest of the container mouth structure remains unchanged, maintaining simplicity while providing the necessary scoop storage function.
Data Source
AI summary
A container with a granulated, powdered or other loose product stores a scoop within the container adjacent to a closure for the container, in such a way that the scoop will not sink down into the product. Several embodiments are disclosed, including different ways for retaining the scoop. Promotional material can be retained below the closure, in addition to or in lieu of the scoop.