Foldable Infusion Container With Integrated Stirring Handle
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing infusion bags require a separate stirring device, such as a spoon, which is inconvenient and inefficient, and alternative designs that eliminate this need often occupy more space and deviate from conventional shapes.
Innovation Solution
A combined container and stirring device with a foldable design that includes a filter bag within a cavity in the lower body, where the upper body wraps around to form a handle when expanded, allowing for stirring without a separate spoon, and is made of materials resistant to liquids like cardboard or biodegradable plastic.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a separate spoon or stirring device is used with conventional infusion bags, then stirring function is achieved, but device complexity and inconvenience increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the container and stirring device into a single integrated unit. The container has a foldable body that forms a bowl when unfolded, and a handle that extends from the bowl to serve as the stirring portion. This merging eliminates the need for separate spoons or stirring devices, directly resolving the technical contradiction by reducing device complexity while maintaining ease of operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated container-stirring device performs multiple functions: it serves as a container for holding liquid, a bowl for containing the liquid, and a stirring device with an extended handle. This multi-functionality allows a single device to replace multiple separate tools, improving ease of operation without increasing device complexity.
2Device complexity
If alternative infusion bag designs are used to eliminate separate stirrers, then device complexity is reduced, but the shape deviates from conventional forms and occupies more storage space
Solution Approach 1:
The container employs a dynamic foldable structure that can transition between a compact folded state for storage and an expanded unfolded state for use. The body sections are connected through folds that allow the structure to collapse into a compact form, significantly reducing storage volume while maintaining the full functional shape during use. This dynamic capability resolves the contradiction between reducing device complexity and minimizing storage space.
Solution Approach 2:
The foldable body structure allows the container to nest into itself when folded, with body sections collapsing inward to form a compact package. This nesting capability enables the device to occupy minimal storage space while maintaining its full functional form during use, directly addressing the storage space concern while keeping the design integrated.
3Volume of moving object
If foldable container designs are implemented, then storage space is reduced, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The container body is divided into multiple sections connected by folds, allowing the structure to be manufactured as a flat pattern that is subsequently folded into its three-dimensional form. This segmentation enables simplified manufacturing processes such as die-cutting and folding, rather than requiring complex three-dimensional molding, thus reducing manufacturing complexity while achieving compact storage capability.
Data Source
AI summary
A combined container and stirring device which can be used with and resembles the shape of known infusion bags is disclosed. The combined container and stirring device comprises a body made of material that is resistant to liquids. The body comprises a lower body and an upper body. A filter bag surrounding a granular, powdered, or liquid product is provided. The filter bag is arranged within a cavity in the lower body. The upper body wraps around the lower body to form a compact shape when the device is in a folded state. The upper body extends upwardly from the lower body to form a handle when the device is in an expanded state.