Array of different types of metering scoops for dosing a consumer product
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Solution Overview
Problem
Automated packaging systems face challenges in identifying and providing the correct type of metering scoop for consumer products, as existing scoops have similar construction elements but differ in subtle features that are difficult for robots or humans to distinguish, leading to potential mis-dosage during filling and packing processes.
Innovation Solution
The introduction of an array of scoops with unique visually detectable identification elements, such as apertures or raised elements, that differentiate each scoop type by scoop capacity and handle extension, allowing for visual and automated identification and matching with corresponding packaging containers.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If metering scoops have similar construction elements to maintain manufacturing simplicity, then manufacturing cost is reduced, but identification accuracy by automated systems deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies visual identification elements including colored bands, colored portions of the handle, and colored scoop bowls to enable automated optical detection of scoop types. Different scoop types are distinguished by different colors or color patterns, allowing robots to identify the correct scoop capacity and handle extension without complex mechanical features. This resolves the contradiction by maintaining simple construction while adding visual differentiation that improves identification accuracy.
2Device complexity
If metering scoops have subtle differentiating features to maintain design simplicity, then device complexity is reduced, but detection difficulty increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses colored bands and colored portions on the handle and scoop bowl to create highly visible differentiation between scoop types. These visual features are easily detected by automated optical systems and can be perceived by human operators, thereby reducing detection difficulty while maintaining simple scoop design with standard construction elements.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent adds visual dimension (color) to the scoop design without adding mechanical complexity. By differentiating scoops through color rather than through complex structural variations, the patent enables easy detection while keeping the physical construction simple and uniform across all scoop types.
3Measurement precision
If visual identification elements are added to metering scoops to improve identification accuracy, then sorting precision is improved, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates colored bands and colored portions into the existing scoop structure during the molding process. These visual identification elements are integrated into the handle and scoop bowl without adding separate mechanical components, thereby improving identification accuracy while minimizing increases in manufacturing complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The visual identification elements serve multiple functions: they enable automated optical detection, provide human-readable differentiation, and can indicate scoop capacity and handle extension characteristics. This multi-functionality justifies the added manufacturing steps by delivering comprehensive identification capabilities across multiple detection methods.
Data Source
AI summary
The invention is related to an array of different types of scoops (10) comprising at least two types of scoops (11), each type of scoop (11′, 11″, 11′″, 11″″) in the array (10) comprising: a scoop bowl (12) having a scoop capacity (12′, 12″); and a handle (13) having a proximal end (16) connected to said scoop bowl (12), said handle (13) having a handle extension (13′, 13″) extending from said proximal end to a distal end (17) remote from said scoop bowl (12); and visually detectable identification means. Each type of scoop (11′, 11″, 11′″, 11″″) in said array of different types of scoops differs from every other type of scoop (11′, 11″, 11′″, 11″″) in said array of different types of scoops (10) by having a different scoop capacity (12′, 12″) and/or handle extension (13′, 13″). The visually detectable identification means is a visually detectable identification element (18′, 18″, 18′″, 18″″), wherein each type of scoop (11′, 11″, 11′″, 11″″) in said array of different types of scoops (10) is provided with a unique visually detectable identification element (18′, 18″, 18′″, 18″″). The invention also relates to an array of different types of packaging containers (30) comprising at least two types of packaging containers (31) wherein each type of packaging container in the array (30) differs from every other type of packaging container (31) in said array (30) by one or more aspects such as different content, different size and different design. Each type of packaging container (31) in said array (30) is provided with a corresponding unique type of scoop (11) from said array of different types of scoops (10).