Granular Material Dispensing Apparatus with Triggered Segmentation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional manual methods for dispensing ant-killing granular materials are inefficient, leading to inaccurate application, waste, and ergonomic strain, as well as safety concerns due to proximity to the material.

Innovation Solution

A dispensing apparatus with a handle and extension, featuring a measuring container, filling, and dispensing mechanism activated by a trigger, which allows for controlled and measured distribution of granular materials, keeping the user at a safe distance and using a spreader to ensure even application.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If manual sprinkling of ant-killing material is used, then the material can be distributed on anthills, but the amount applied is inaccurate and excessive

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveamount of material appliedVSAvoidwaste of ant-killing material

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSLoss of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The dispensing container is divided into a storage chamber and a separate dispensing mechanism with a controlled outlet. The material is segmented into controlled portions as it flows from the storage chamber through the dispensing mechanism, allowing precise measurement and application of the required amount (e.g., one tablespoon per anthill) rather than uncontrolled pouring.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The dispensing mechanism incorporates a controlled outlet that regulates the flow of material based on the position of a valve or gate. This feedback control ensures that only the required amount of material is dispensed, preventing over-application and waste while maintaining measurement precision.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

2Measurement precision

If the user bends over to pour material accurately, then the material can be distributed more precisely, but the user experiences ergonomic strain

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveaccuracy of material distributionVSAvoiduser comfort

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The dispensing mechanism allows the user to maintain an upright position by controlling material flow through a valve or gate mechanism rather than requiring the container to be tilted or the user to bend over. This dimensional change in the dispensing action (from body movement to mechanism operation) preserves measurement precision while eliminating ergonomic strain.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

3Measurement precision

If the user bends over to pour material, then distribution accuracy improves, but the risk of inhaling or ingesting material increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveaccuracy of material distributionVSAvoidrisk of inhaling or ingesting material

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The dispensing mechanism enables material distribution control through a valve or gate system that operates without requiring the user to lean forward or bring their face close to the material. This dimensional change in the dispensing action maintains distribution accuracy while eliminating the harmful exposure risk associated with bending over.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Solution Approach 2:

The controlled outlet or valve mechanism acts as an intermediary between the user and the granular material. This intermediary allows precise control of material flow while keeping the user at a safe distance, preventing direct contact or inhalation of the material during the dispensing process.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

4Area of stationary object

If the container is swung to distribute material around anthills, then coverage area increases, but measurement precision is lost

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecoverage areaVSAvoidamount of material applied

Core Design Contradiction:

Area of stationary objectVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The dispensing mechanism segments the material flow into controlled portions through a regulated outlet. This allows the user to distribute material across a larger area by moving the container while maintaining precise control over the amount dispensed, as the controlled outlet ensures consistent portioning regardless of container movement.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentUS11793188B1Systems and methods for distributing granular materials

Publication Date: 2023.10.24 RAZAR IND LLC

AI summary

Systems and methods for dispensing measured amounts of a granular material, wherein one embodiment is a dispensing apparatus having a dispensing body, a handle and a handle extension coupled between the handle and the dispensing body. The dispensing body has a measuring container with a cavity of known volume, as well as a filling mechanism and a dispensing mechanism. The filling mechanism is selectively activated to fill the cavity of the measuring container with the granular material, and the dispensing mechanism is selectively activated to release the granular material from the cavity to dispense only the predetermined amount of the granular material that fills the cavity of the measuring container from the apparatus. A trigger on the handle is coupled to the filling mechanism and the dispensing mechanism via a linkage in the handle extension, and activation of the trigger selectively activates the filling mechanism and the dispensing mechanism.