Liquid-Filled Beverage Stirrer With Controlled Peel-Open Dispensing
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing methods for extracting fruit juice are messy, wasteful, and unpredictable, and the supply of fresh fruits is seasonal, leading to fluctuations in availability and price. Additionally, there is a need for a convenient way to add flavor or supplements to beverages.
Innovation Solution
A sealed package made of food-grade plastic films with grippable tabs at both ends, where the connection between the films is weaker at the openable portions, allowing for controlled dispensing of a predetermined amount of liquid, which can be used as a stirrer for beverages.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If fruit is sliced or cut for juice extraction, then juice can be extracted from fresh fruit, but residue is left on fingers and the direction of juice flow is unpredictable causing mess
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the juice from the fruit and encloses it within a sealed package, separating the liquid content from the solid fruit material. This allows the juice to be dispensed without handling the messy fruit residue, as the juice is contained in a controlled environment and can be poured or squeezed out cleanly.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a single-use sealed package that is discarded after use. This disposable approach eliminates the need to clean residue from fingers or surfaces, as the entire container including any remaining juice is thrown away after dispensing.
2Ease of operation
If fruit is sliced in advance, then juice extraction is convenient, but slices must be used within an acceptable timeframe leading to wastage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs the juice extraction action in advance during manufacturing, enclosing the extracted juice in a sealed package before use. This preliminary extraction eliminates the need to prepare fresh fruit slices close to the time of use, allowing the product to be stored and used at convenience without wastage.
Solution Approach 2:
The single-use sealed package contains the juice in a stable state until use, eliminating the time-sensitive nature of fresh fruit slices. The package can be stored for extended periods and used whenever needed, with no risk of spoilage or wastage before use.
3Ease of operation
If the connection between films is weaker at openable portions, then the films can be peeled apart easily for dispensing, but the films may separate beyond a predetermined amount
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies different connection strengths at different locations of the film package. The sealing is weaker at the openable portions to allow easy peeling, while maintaining stronger connections in other areas to prevent excessive separation. This local variation in connection quality enables both easy opening and controlled separation.
4Strength
If the second film is sufficiently rigid to maintain shape, then the package can handle various temperatures and usage scenarios, but the first film flexibility may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the package into two distinct film layers with different properties. The first film is made flexible to allow easy opening and dispensing, while the second film is made rigid to maintain the package shape and provide structural integrity. This segmentation of functions between two films allows both flexibility and strength to coexist.
Data Source
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Figure 7~9
AI summary
There is provided a pack (10) in the form of a stirrer for a hot or cold beverage. The stirrer comprises first and second films (13, 14) sealingly connected around a periphery to enclose a volume in which is disposed a liquid. The liquid is conveniently disposed in an elongate channel (15) formed in one of the films. Openable portions (17, 55) are provided at respective ends of the stirrer, one openable portion (17) allowing the liquid to flow out once opened and the other openable portion (55) acting as a vent. Each openable portion is opened by peeling apart the two films and has a stronger connection (52, 57) provided to limit the opening of the ends.