Infant Formula Container with Leveling Bar and Docking Station
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current containers for granulated or powdered products, such as infant formula, face issues with spillage and contamination during first use, inadequate sealing post-opening, and difficulty in accessing the measuring scoop without contaminating the contents.
Innovation Solution
A container design featuring a leveling bar for consistent dispensing, a tightly sealing lid and collar combination to prevent spillage, a docking station for secure storage of the scoop, and a tamper evident band to indicate opening, ensuring secure and contamination-free access to the contents.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the container lid is removed or opened for the first time, then access to the contents is enabled, but spillage occurs as contents pack into the lid or top of the container
Solution Approach 1:
The container includes a pre-formed dispensing opening in the lid that allows controlled access to the contents without requiring complete lid removal. The opening is designed with specific geometry to prevent contents from packing into the lid while maintaining seal integrity during normal storage.
Solution Approach 2:
A removable seal or valve mechanism acts as an intermediary between the sealed container interior and the external environment. This intermediary component controls the dispensing opening, allowing controlled access while preventing uncontrolled spillage when the lid is opened.
2Ease of operation
If the container lid is opened for the first time, then access to contents is enabled, but the contents become oxidized and/or contaminated
Solution Approach 1:
The container is equipped with a pre-formed dispensing opening that allows the first access operation to be performed with minimal exposure of contents to air and contaminants. The opening geometry and positioning are designed to limit the surface area of contents exposed during the initial opening event.
Solution Approach 2:
A removable seal or valve mechanism serves as an intermediary that maintains the protective barrier between the contents and the external environment. This seal can be removed or activated to control access while minimizing contamination during the opening process.
3Ease of operation
If the container is opened for the first time, then access to contents is enabled, but undesirable and inadvertent discharge occurs from poorly sealed areas
Solution Approach 1:
The container lid is designed with a pre-formed dispensing opening that serves as a controlled access point. The geometry and positioning of this opening are engineered to prevent inadvertent discharge from poor sealing areas while still allowing intentional access to the contents.
Solution Approach 2:
A removable seal or valve mechanism acts as an intermediary control element that prevents unintended discharge from the container. This seal maintains proper sealing in areas that would otherwise be prone to inadvertent discharge, while still allowing controlled access when needed.
4Object-affected harmful factors
If the container is sealed tightly, then content quality is maintained, but pressure differentials may compromise the contents
Solution Approach 1:
The container is designed with a pre-formed dispensing opening that allows pressure equalization between the internal and external environments. This opening is positioned and dimensioned to maintain tight sealing for quality protection while providing a controlled pathway for pressure balance to prevent compromise of the contents.
Data Source
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AI summary
A container (100) for storing and dispensing flowable nutritional products. The container (100) includes a reservoir (101), a removable seal (103), a collar (102), a lid (104) hingedly attached to the collar, and a docking station (106) for a measuring device (107), such as a scoop for measuring the product. The container may also include a leveling bar (108) to use in conjunction with the measuring device (107).