Measured powder dispenser
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing powder dispensers lack precision and convenience in measuring and dispensing a consistent amount of powder, such as powdered milk, due to inflexible measurement mechanisms and cumbersome operation.
Innovation Solution
A rotatable measuring container with an adjustable interior volume, integrated within a dispenser system that aligns with both an inlet and an outlet, allowing for precise measurement and dispensing of powder through a platform that can be offset at various depths, and a user-friendly interface with locking collars and a turning knob for easy operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a fixed-volume measurement chamber is used, then the device structure is simple, but the measurement precision is insufficient for different powder quantities
Solution Approach 1:
The measurement chamber incorporates a movable platform that can be positioned at different depths within the chamber, transforming a static fixed-volume chamber into a dynamic adjustable-volume chamber. This allows the same physical chamber to provide multiple measurement volumes, improving measurement precision for different powder quantities without requiring multiple separate chambers or complex mechanisms.
2Ease of operation
If the measuring container is stationary, then the device structure is simple, but the ease of operation is reduced due to multiple components
Solution Approach 1:
The invention merges the measuring container, measurement chamber, and dispensing mechanism into a single integrated rotatable assembly. By combining these functions into one unit that rotates to transition between measurement and dispensing positions, the device reduces the number of separate components and operations required, thereby improving ease of operation while maintaining functional complexity through intelligent integration.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the platform is fixed at one depth, then the manufacturing precision is easier to achieve, but the adaptability is limited for different measurement volumes
Solution Approach 1:
The platform is designed with movable capability along the depth axis of the measurement chamber, allowing it to be positioned at multiple predetermined depths. This dynamic positioning system provides several fixed depth options that are easier to manufacture than continuously variable depths, while still offering sufficient adaptability for different measurement volume requirements.
4Loss of substance
If the measuring container rotates to seal across the inlet, then the loss of substance is reduced, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The sealing function is integrated into the rotation mechanism of the measuring container itself. The container's body or lid incorporates sealing elements that automatically engage with the inlet opening during rotation, eliminating the need for separate sealing devices or mechanisms. This reduces substance loss by preventing powder leakage while avoiding additional complexity through functional integration.
Data Source
AI summary
A measured powder dispenser has a hopper feeding powder down into a measured dispensing mechanism. The measured dispensing mechanism has an inlet and an outlet and a measuring container operable therebetween. The measuring container is rotatably engaged about a rotation axis generally orthogonal to an inlet axis of the inlet such that an exterior surface thereof moves across the inlet when the measuring container rotates. The measuring container has an interior volume adjustable measurement chamber recessed within the exterior surface such that, in use, at a first rotational position, the measurement chamber aligns with the inlet to accept a measured amount of powder therein from the power container and, when rotated to a second rotational position, the exterior surface seals across the inlet and the measurement chamber aligns with the outlet to dispense the measured amount of powder therefrom.