Drink container and concentrate
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Solution Overview
Problem
Concentrated drink mixes in squeeze bottles require precise aiming and inversion for dispensing, leading to potential splattering and staining when used while traveling, and lack a reliable mechanism for dispensing a fixed amount of liquid.
Innovation Solution
A container system with a storage housing and a piercing device that includes a pump mechanism for controlled dispensing of a fixed amount of liquid concentrate into a drinking cup, featuring a separable design and a shield to reduce accidental discharge during storage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a squeeze bottle is used for dispensing concentrated drink mix, then the device is simple and portable, but it requires precise aiming and inversion for dispensing which leads to splattering and staining
Solution Approach 1:
The device is segmented into distinct functional components: a pump mechanism separated from the storage bottle, a shield component that can be positioned independently, and a dispensing tip. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function optimally without interfering with others, enabling controlled dispensing without inversion while preventing splatter through the shield.
Solution Approach 2:
The shield is positioned in advance to cover the dispensing opening before liquid is dispensed. This preliminary protective action prevents splattering and staining from occurring in the first place, eliminating the need for cleanup actions after dispensing.
2Device complexity
If a squeeze bottle is used for dispensing concentrated drink mix, then the device is simple, but it lacks a reliable mechanism for dispensing a fixed amount of liquid
Solution Approach 1:
The pump mechanism is designed to automatically dispense a predetermined fixed amount of liquid with each operation cycle. The pump's internal geometry and stroke volume are engineered to deliver consistent, repeatable portions without requiring user measurement or estimation, making the device self-regulating for precise dosing.
3Measurement precision
If the container system includes a pump mechanism for controlled dispensing, then fixed amount dispensing is achieved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The storage bottle is designed as a disposable component that can be easily replaced when empty, while the pump mechanism and shield are reusable. This approach reduces the complexity burden on the permanent components by making the storage container interchangeable, allowing the system to achieve precise dispensing capabilities without permanently complicating the overall device structure.
4Ease of operation
If the container system has separable components for easy exchange, then portability and ease of replacement are improved, but the reliability of maintaining seal and connection may worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The pump mechanism and shield are merged into a single integrated assembly that remains in the user's possession, while only the storage bottle is separable and replaceable. This merging ensures that the critical sealing and connection interfaces are maintained within the reusable portion of the device, preserving connection reliability while still allowing easy exchange of empty bottles.
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
Enables controlled and precise dispensing of a consistent amount of liquid concentrate into a cup, reducing the risk of spills and staining, and allowing for easy exchange of empty containers, enhancing usability, especially during travel.
Implementation Method 1
a pump associated with the storage container that can discharge a fixed amount of container contents with one operation cycle
Data Source
AI summary
A liquid drink concentrate dispensing system is provided. It includes a concentrate storage container and a housing with a piercing device for providing a flow path for selective discharge of drink concentrate into a cup for diluting with water. The storage container includes a pump to effect selective discharge of the concentrate.