Disposable container blending apparatus and methods
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing blending technologies are inefficient and unreliable for preparing blended beverages in disposable containers, often resulting in container damage, waste, and user injury due to the inability to effectively handle large and frozen ingredients, leading to inconsistent product transfer and increased costs.
Innovation Solution
A specialized blending apparatus and method that includes a disposable container adapter with a shelf portion and vented design, allowing for secure blending within the container by managing pressure differentials and preventing high-velocity particles from impacting the container walls, thus maintaining container integrity and improving blending efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If a blending blade or rotor/stator apparatus is used to blend ingredients in a disposable container, then blending function is achieved, but the container walls burst or blow off due to large pressure differentials and forces
Solution Approach 1:
A rigid jar is introduced as an intermediary blending vessel between the blender and the disposable container. The rigid jar withstands the high pressure differentials and forces generated during blending, while the disposable container serves only as the serving vessel. This mediator protects the fragile disposable container from mechanical damage while enabling automated blending functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The blending system is segmented into two separate functions: blending occurs in a rigid jar that can withstand high forces, while the disposable container is used only for serving. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized for its specific function - the rigid jar for mechanical blending and the disposable container for convenient serving - resolving the contradiction between automation and container integrity.
2Reliability
If blending is performed in a separate rigid jar and then product is poured into a serving cup, then container integrity is maintained, but product waste increases due to thick smoothie clinging to jar sides
Solution Approach 1:
The rigid blending jar and the disposable serving container are merged into a single integrated unit. The disposable container is attached to the rigid jar, allowing the blended product to be transferred directly into the disposable container without pouring through the air. This eliminates the waste caused by thick smoothie clinging to jar sides during transfer, while maintaining container integrity during blending.
Solution Approach 2:
The disposable container serves multiple functions: it acts as both the serving vessel and the receiving container for the blended product. By attaching the disposable container directly to the rigid blending jar, it becomes part of the blending assembly, eliminating the need for separate transfer operations and reducing product waste.
3Device complexity
If a disposable container is used directly for blending, then device complexity is reduced and cost is decreased, but blending effectiveness is insufficient for large and frozen ingredients
Solution Approach 1:
The system is segmented into a rigid blending jar for mechanical blending and a disposable container for serving. The rigid jar handles the demanding blending task of processing large and frozen ingredients, while the disposable container provides simplicity and low cost for the serving portion. This segmentation allows the system to achieve effective blending capability while maintaining low device complexity and cost through the use of a disposable component.
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 reduces container failure rates, enhances blending consistency, minimizes waste, and provides a more user-friendly and cost-effective process for preparing blended beverages directly in disposable containers.
Implementation Method 1
The pressure differentials and forces generated during blending are too large for the relatively thin and weak walls of the cups to handle without bursting
Implementation Method 2
The raw ingredients, especially large and frozen ingredients such as ice or frozen fruit chunks, cannot be properly sheared in the disposable cups because they are so violently agitated and pulverized by a blending blade
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2A~2B
Figure 3A
AI summary
Blending devices can be used to blend material in a disposable container such as a paper or plastic cup. A blending device may have a jar or container portion that is insertable into a disposable container and that seals its opening. A space within the jar or container portion contains a blending blade assembly that is rotatable to blend material in the disposable container. A shelf or overhanging structure may extend partially over the bottom surface of the jar or container portion to limit movement of material out of the space in the jar or container portion in a vertical and lateral direction to reduce stresses on the container during blending. After blending, the disposable container may be removed from the blending device and the blended material may be served directly in the container. Ducted blending and other flow control devices are also disclosed.