Juicer jug
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional jugs used with fruit and vegetable juicers are not sealed, leading to the expulsion of juice foam and spray, which reduces the freshness and storage life of the juice due to exposure to air.
Innovation Solution
A sealable jug design with a single side opening for both filling and pouring, featuring a rotating lid with a polymeric seal and internal baffles to minimize foam and spray expulsion, and a flow guide that slows juice flow, along with a juicer nozzle with a slot to prevent pooling and dripping.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a conventional jug with separate fill opening and pouring spout is used, then the jug can be filled and poured, but air from the discharge spout blows across the juice and expels foam and spray from the jug
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the fill opening and pouring spout into a single opening in the side wall of the jug. The lid is rotatable to align this single opening with either the juicer discharge spout for filling or for pouring, eliminating the need for separate openings and preventing air flow from blowing foam and spray across the juice surface
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a flow guide that attaches to the discharge spout to modify the juice flow pattern. The flow guide creates internal turbulence and slows the flow, preventing the juice from splashing directly into the jug and reducing foam and spray expulsion
2Ease of operation
If the jug is left open during filling, then the jug can be filled easily, but the juice is exposed to air which accelerates oxidation and reduces freshness
Solution Approach 1:
The lid is designed to be rotatable rather than fixed, allowing it to dynamically switch between two orientations: one for filling (aligned with discharge spout) and one for sealing (isolating interior from atmosphere). This dynamic capability enables the jug to be sealed during storage to preserve freshness while remaining easily accessible during filling and pouring operations
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a sealed environment within the jug by providing a lid that isolates the interior from the external atmosphere. This sealed environment limits oxygen exposure to the juice, slowing oxidation and extending freshness and storage life
3Reliability
If a sealable lid is added to the jug, then the juice can be sealed to prevent oxidation, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The single side opening serves multiple functions: it acts as the fill opening when the lid is in the filling orientation and as the pouring spout when the lid is rotated to the pouring orientation. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate openings and reduces overall structural complexity despite adding a rotatable lid mechanism
Solution Approach 2:
The lid is designed as a separate, removable component that can be rotated independently, allowing the sealing function to be added without permanently complicating the jug structure. The polymeric seal is integrated into the lid, which can be attached or removed as needed
4Productivity
If the discharge spout flows directly into the jug, then the filling process is fast, but juice pooling and dripping occur at the nozzle
Solution Approach 1:
The flow guide acts as an intermediary device that attaches to the discharge spout and modifies the juice flow before it enters the jug. It creates internal turbulence and slows the flow velocity, preventing direct high-speed impact that causes pooling and dripping, while still maintaining efficient filling through the single opening
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
The design effectively seals the jug from the atmosphere, reducing juice degradation, minimizing foam and spray expulsion, and extending the shelf life of the juice by maintaining a controlled environment during filling and pouring.
Implementation Method 1
An exterior surface of the lid's side wall carries or accommodates a polymeric seal. The seal encircles the side wall near the lower rim except for in the area below the lid's opening. In the area below the opening, the seal rises above the uppermost part of the opening. When inserted into the reservoir, the seal makes contact with an interior surface of the jug and seals against it.
Implementation Method 2
The flow guide has features that provide internal turbulence and thus slow the flow of juice through the guide.
Implementation Method 3
a nozzle for a juicer is provided with a slot on its underside to minimise pooling and consequent dripping.
Data Source
AI summary
A jug and lid for a juicer includes a cylindrical upper portion having an upper rim, with the upper rim having a first opening for receiving a discharge spout, the first opening having a pouring spout, and the lid having a cylindrical body that fits within the upper portion. The body includes a pouring channel and a second opening alienable with the first opening. The body further has an exterior surface that carries a stepped circumferential seal that seals an interior of the jug when the first and second openings are not aligned, and the openings are alignable in a filling orientation upon rotation of the lid.