Container Shelf and Scoop Insert to Prevent Settling and Contamination
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Solution Overview
Problem
Product containers with powder-based contents, such as baby formula, often have measuring scoops that settle during shipping and storage, making retrieval difficult and potentially contaminating the product upon opening, and existing scoops are prone to deformation and misfitting during filling operations.
Innovation Solution
A container design featuring a removable scoop insert with an outer frame that rests on a shelf within the neck, keeping the scoop above the contents and preventing it from settling, along with a closure system that seals without interfering with the insert, and a method for filling and inserting the scoop during product filling, ensuring easy retrieval and maintaining scoop shape through nesting during shipping.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If the measuring scoop is immersed within the product contents during shipping, then the scoop is included with the container, but the scoop settles into the bottom and becomes difficult to retrieve, potentially contaminating the product
Solution Approach 1:
The scoop assembly is divided into separate components: an outer frame that rests on the shelf and an inner scoop portion that can be easily removed. This segmentation allows the scoop to be manufactured separately and assembled into the container, making both manufacturing and retrieval easier.
Solution Approach 2:
A shelf is introduced as an intermediary structure between the product contents and the scoop. The shelf supports the outer frame of the scoop assembly, preventing the scoop from settling into the bottom of the container while still allowing easy access and retrieval.
2Productivity
If the measuring scoop is pre-molded at one location and transported separately, then the container can be filled efficiently, but the scoop tends to deform during shipping and no longer fits properly
Solution Approach 1:
The inner scoop portion is nested within the outer frame during shipping and storage. This nesting configuration protects the scoop from deformation while maintaining compactness for efficient transport and storage, ensuring the scoop retains its proper shape for fitting into the container.
Solution Approach 2:
The scoop assembly is pre-assembled with the outer frame and inner scoop portion connected in a nested configuration before shipping. This preliminary assembly ensures the scoop maintains its shape and structural integrity during transport, eliminating the need for re-adjustment at the filling location.
3Ease of operation
If the scoop is held above the contents on a shelf, then the scoop does not settle and is easy to retrieve, but the container structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The shelf serves multiple functions: it supports the outer frame of the scoop assembly to prevent settling, provides a mounting surface for the scoop, and maintains the structural integrity of the container. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional separate components, thereby minimizing overall structural complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
A container for storing dispensable contents includes a tub. The tub includes a body having one or more walls extending from a base, an opening, a neck formed around the opening and extending out from the body to form a lip, and a shelf disposed on an inner perimeter of the neck and below the lip. The container also includes a removable insert disposed below the lip and above the contents. The removable insert includes a scoop implement for dispensing the contents, and an outer frame removably coupled to the scoop implement, the outer frame configured to rest on the shelf and support the scoop implement above the contents. The container also includes a closure configured to removably cover the opening.