Liquid Measuring Container With Diaphragm-Guided Dispensing
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for measuring and dispensing liquids in cooking, such as using measuring cups, are time-consuming, imprecise, require multiple steps, and often involve washing and searching for the correct cup, limiting the efficiency of the cooking process.
Innovation Solution
A modified liquid storage container with a hinged lid, a two-part threaded rod, a moveable disc diaphragm, a coronal plane post, and a thumb trigger that allows for precise measurement and dispensing of liquids through a controlled orifice, enabling easy measurement and dispensing without the need for separate measuring cups.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a measuring cup with gradations is used to measure liquid, then volume measurement capability is provided, but the process becomes time-consuming and imprecise due to manual pouring and meniscus reading
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the storage container, measurement system, and dispensing mechanism into a single integrated device. The container includes graduated markings for measurement, a bottom outlet for controlled dispensing, and a valve mechanism that allows precise release of measured volumes without requiring separate measuring cups or manual pouring operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The storage container is designed to perform multiple functions: storing liquid, measuring volume through graduated markings, and dispensing controlled amounts through the valve mechanism. This multi-functional design eliminates the need for separate measuring and dispensing tools, reducing both time and the number of operations required.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a separate measuring cup is used for measuring liquid, then measurement function is provided, but additional washing and searching for the correct cup size is required
Solution Approach 1:
The storage container integrates multiple measurement markings (graduated volumes) directly on the container body, allowing the user to measure different liquid volumes without needing multiple separate measuring cups. The single container with its integrated valve system provides both measurement and dispensing capabilities for various volumes.
Solution Approach 2:
The container serves as a universal measuring and dispensing device for all liquid volumes needed, with graduated markings indicating different volume levels. This eliminates the need to search for or wash multiple specialized measuring cups of different sizes.
3Quantity of substance
If liquid is poured from storage container to measuring cup, then liquid transfer is achieved, but precision is lost due to overflow or under-pouring
Solution Approach 1:
The container combines the storage reservoir, measurement scale, and controlled dispensing outlet into one integrated system. The valve mechanism at the bottom outlet allows the user to open it to dispense liquid and close it to stop, providing precise control over the transfer process and eliminating the imprecision of manual pouring.
4Measurement precision
If the container includes integrated measuring and dispensing components, then measurement and dispensing precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates the measurement scale directly on the container body and incorporates a valve mechanism at the bottom outlet. This merging of functions (storage, measurement, and controlled dispensing) into a single device achieves precision without requiring multiple separate components or complex external measuring systems.
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 container provides a precise and efficient way to measure and dispense liquids, reducing time and effort in cooking by integrating measurement and dispensing functions into a single container, minimizing waste and improving cooking efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
a compressible intermediate disc member whose rim surface expands radially outward when the intermediate disc member is compressed so as to come into contact with the interior surface of the cylinder so as to provide a temporary, liquid-tight seal
Implementation Method 2
a two part, approximately-semicircular-shaped threaded rod which is mounted on this cylinder's longitudinal axis by a detachable handle
Implementation Method 3
using only gravitational forces, a user-selected, specific volume of liquid
Data Source
AI summary
A liquid storage container also having liquid measuring and dispensing capabilities includes: (a) a two-part, rotatable, threaded rod mounted on the container's longitudinal axis, (b) a disc diaphragm that cooperates with the rotation of the threaded rod to move the disc to a height in the container such that the volume of liquid beneath it is that which is to be dispensed, and (c) a coronal plane post which is slidably mounted to move up and down between the rod's two parts and by such action allows the liquid below the diaphragm to be dispensed from an orifice in the bottom of the container while air from the environment surrounding the bottom of the container is allowed to flow up a passageway in the coronal post and into a region of the container that above the level of the liquid in the container.