Herb Storage Container with Integrated Grinding Surface and Channel
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Solution Overview
Problem
Storing and processing herbs is cumbersome due to the need for multiple tools and containers, which can lead to inconvenience and residue buildup, especially when handling and processing herbs on-the-go.
Innovation Solution
A container system with a removable lid featuring a concave bowl and channel for guiding processed herbs, designed for airtight storage and easy processing, including a foundation element for stability and a non-slip gripping mechanism, made from materials like wood, metal, or plastic, with engagement mechanisms for secure closure.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple separate tools (container, grinder, processing surface) are used for storing and processing herbs, then the functionality is comprehensive, but the device complexity and convenience of use deteriorate due to carrying multiple items and residue buildup in corners and crevices
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the storage container and processing surface into a single integrated unit. The container includes a removable lid that functions as a processing surface with grinding elements, eliminating the need for separate grinder and processing surface tools. This merging reduces the number of items to carry while maintaining comprehensive functionality for both storage and herb processing.
Solution Approach 2:
The lid serves multiple functions: it acts as a closure for the container, a processing surface for grinding herbs, and includes a channel for material transfer. The container itself provides both storage and a stable base for processing operations. This multi-functionality allows a single device to replace multiple specialized tools.
2Ease of operation
If a solid processing surface with corners and crevices is used, then the processing capability is adequate, but residue buildup increases in the corners and crevices
Solution Approach 1:
The processing surface on the lid features a concave bowl shape with curved surfaces instead of flat surfaces with corners. This curvature eliminates crevices where residue could accumulate, allowing for easier cleaning and reducing substance loss. The rounded contours maintain adequate processing capability while preventing buildup in geometric corners.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the processing function from a separate solid surface and integrates it into the removable lid. This allows the processing surface to be easily removed and cleaned, preventing residue buildup. The channel design also extracts and directs processed material to a specific exit point, facilitating complete material transfer and minimizing residue.
3Device complexity
If herbs are stored in non-airtight containers, then the container simplicity is maintained, but the preservation of freshness, aroma, and flavor deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The container includes a removable lid with engagement elements that automatically create an airtight seal when properly positioned. The design allows users to easily open and close the container while maintaining a reliable seal during storage. The simplicity of the container is preserved through straightforward engagement mechanisms, but the airtight sealing capability ensures reliable preservation of freshness, aroma, and flavor.
4Device complexity
If the processing surface lacks a material transfer mechanism, then the device simplicity is maintained, but the productivity and efficiency of herb processing deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The processing surface includes an integrated channel that segments the flow path of processed material, guiding it from the grinding area to a specific exit point. This segmentation of the material flow path improves processing efficiency by providing a focused distribution stream, while the channel is seamlessly integrated into the lid design to maintain overall device simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
The channel acts as an intermediary element between the grinding surface and the exterior, facilitating efficient material transfer. This intermediary structure guides processed herbs in a controlled manner, improving productivity without requiring complex additional mechanisms. The channel is a simple recessed feature in the lid that effectively mediates material flow.
Data Source
AI summary
There is provided a system for storing and processing herbs including a container having a base and one or more sidewalls defining a volume, an aperture defined by the upper end of the one or more sidewalls, and a lid removably attached to the upper end of the container, the lid covering the aperture when the container is in a closed configuration. The lid includes an inner portion including a working surface. The working surface includes a bowl having a concave transition from a base of the bowl to a lip of the bowl, the lip of the bowl has a convex transition between the bowl and a bowl rim, and the bowl rim defines an intersection between the working surface and the external surface. The working surface also includes a channel for guiding a processed granular material out of the bowl in a focused distribution stream.