Multi-Compartment Mixing Container with Sensor-Based Proportion Control
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current cosmetic, pharmaceutical, and dermatological dispensing containers are not capable of adjusting mixture proportions in real-time to account for individual user needs and environmental factors, leading to ineffective product use and increased waste, with existing solutions failing to provide personalized and adaptable dispensing systems.
Innovation Solution
A multi-compartment container with refillable compartments that allows users to adjust the proportions of substances based on input from environmentally and user-sensitive test components, such as UV light and skin color sensors, using a pressurized gas system and retractable nozzles for customizable dispensing as spray or cream.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If preset proportions of substances are used in dispensing containers, then manufacturing and usage are simplified, but the ability to adapt to individual user needs and environmental factors is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The container is divided into multiple separate compartments, each holding a different substance. This segmentation allows independent control and adjustment of each substance's quantity while maintaining overall simplicity of use. Users can selectively fill or adjust individual compartments without affecting others.
Solution Approach 2:
The dispensing system incorporates adjustable mechanisms that allow users to dynamically change the proportions of substances dispensed from each compartment. This dynamic adjustment capability enables adaptation to different user needs and environmental conditions while maintaining ease of operation through intuitive controls.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple separate products are used to achieve personalized mixtures, then customization is possible, but waste increases and convenience decreases
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple substance compartments are merged into a single integrated dispensing system with a unified dispensing mechanism. This combination allows users to create personalized mixtures from multiple substances in one container, eliminating the need to manage multiple separate products and reducing waste from unused portions of individual containers.
Solution Approach 2:
The single container system performs multiple functions by dispensing different substances in various proportions through one unified device. This multi-functionality replaces the need for multiple specialized containers, reducing overall waste while maintaining full customization capability.
3Manufacturing precision
If fixed mixture compositions are dispensed, then manufacturing precision is maintained, but real-time adjustment to user needs is prevented
Solution Approach 1:
The dispensing mechanism incorporates adjustable components that allow real-time modification of mixture proportions while maintaining precise control. Users can change the ratio of substances dispensed from each compartment on-demand, enabling both manufacturing precision and adaptability to varying user needs.
Solution Approach 2:
The system includes mechanisms for users to observe and adjust dispensing proportions in real-time, allowing feedback-based optimization of mixture composition. This enables users to achieve desired precision for their specific needs while maintaining the ability to adapt to changing conditions.
4Device complexity
If test samples cannot be dispensed, then dispensing mechanism is simplified, but product evaluation and personalization are compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The dispensing system allows users to dispense partial amounts or test samples from each compartment independently or in combination. This partial action capability enables product evaluation and personalization without requiring complete dispensing of all substances, maintaining relatively simple mechanism design while adding versatility.
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
Enables personalized mixing and dispensing of substances according to individual needs, reducing waste and improving product efficacy while being environmentally friendly and cost-effective by allowing real-time adjustments based on user-specific and environmental inputs.
Implementation Method 1
using a pressurized gas system and retractable nozzles for customizable dispensing as spray or cream
Data Source
AI summary
A handheld reusable multi-compartmental mixing and dispensing container for storing fluids separately therein before mixing. The proportions of the substances in a mixture are externally adjustable. The desired concentration is determined by test components attached to the container that sense various environmental and user-specific factors. The amount of the adjustable substance to be added to a mixture is controlled by an adjustment wheel on the container. A single control button allows a user to choose what fluid substances are to be mixed and dispensed. A pressurized gas propellant in a replaceable canister moves the fluid around and out of the container.