Integrated Liquid-Powder Dispenser with Pushbutton Mixing Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing protein shake preparation methods require separate containers for liquid and powder, which are time-consuming, laborious, prone to contamination, and spillage, and lack ergonomic mixing initiation.
Innovation Solution
A dispenser with compartments for liquid and powder, allowing selective dispensing of liquid alone or mixed with powder, featuring a sliding chamber and pushbutton mechanism for ergonomic mixing initiation, ensuring hygiene and efficient mixing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If separate containers for liquid and powder are used, then contamination and spillage risks are reduced, but preparation time and labor increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines separate liquid and powder containers into a single integrated dispenser unit. The liquid container and powder chamber are merged into one device, allowing both components to be stored and dispensed together. This merging eliminates the need to handle multiple separate containers, reducing preparation time and labor while maintaining contamination control through sealed compartments.
Solution Approach 2:
The dispenser is segmented into distinct functional compartments: a liquid container, a powder chamber with storage compartment, and a mixing chamber. Each segment serves a specific function and can be independently sealed. The powder chamber includes a releasable bottom member that seals the storage compartment, allowing liquid to be dispensed through the liquid passage inlet without mixing with powder until the mixing phase is initiated.
2Ease of operation
If both containers are opened to combine contents, then mixing is achieved, but labor and time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The dispenser is pre-configured with the powder storage compartment sealed by a releasable bottom member. Liquid can be loaded into the liquid container while the powder remains sealed in its compartment. The system is prepared for mixing in advance, but the actual combination of powder and liquid only occurs when the user actuates the mixing mechanism by pressing the pushbutton member, which releases the bottom member and allows powder to flow into the mixing chamber.
Solution Approach 2:
The mixing mechanism is designed to be actuated by a simple pushbutton operation. When the user presses the pushbutton member, the releasable bottom member is automatically released, causing powder to flow out of the storage compartment and into the mixing chamber where it combines with liquid. This self-service mechanism eliminates the need for manual opening of containers or complex mixing operations.
3Ease of operation
If pushbutton is always accessible, then mixing initiation is simple, but accidental activation increases
Solution Approach 1:
The accessibility of the pushbutton member is made dynamic rather than static. The lid includes a sliding closure that can be in either a closed position (blocking the pushbutton) or an open position (allowing access to the pushbutton). This dynamic positioning mechanism ensures the pushbutton is protected from accidental activation during transport or storage when the lid is closed, but becomes easily accessible when the user intentionally opens the lid to prepare a drink.
Data Source
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AI summary
A dispenser comprises a container 2 for liquid, and a chamber 12 for containing powder. The chamber is selectively slidable axially within a sleeve 8 within the container 2 between a sealed position, in which at least one aperture 14 in the chamber 12 is closed to retain the powder within the chamber, and a transfer position in which the at least one aperture 14 in the chamber 12 is opened to enable powder to flow out of the chamber. The chamber 12 is provided with a pushbutton 18 arranged to cause sliding of the chamber within the sleeve 8. The dispenser has a lid 20 including an outlet 22, and a passageway outside the sleeve 8 for liquid to flow from the container to the outlet 22. The lid 20 includes a sliding closure 30 for preventing actuation of the pushbutton 18 in a closed position thereof, and allowing actuation of the pushbutton in an open position of the sliding closure 30.