Multi-Chamber Condiment Container with Hinged Panel Dispensing

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing condiment devices lack an efficient and organized method for individually storing and dispensing multiple condiments, leading to clutter and inconvenience in kitchen settings.

Innovation Solution

A container with internal dividers to create separate chambers, a lid with aligned openings, and hinged panels for fluid communication and dispensing, allowing for individual access and retention of condiments.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If multiple condiments are stored in separate containers, then each condiment can be individually accessed, but kitchen clutter increases and convenience decreases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconvenience of condiment accessVSAvoidkitchen counter space

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple individual condiment containers into a single integrated container assembly with multiple chambers. Each chamber holds a different condiment, but all chambers are housed within one unified structure that occupies minimal counter space while maintaining individual access to each condiment through separate dispensing mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

2Area of stationary object

If condiments are stored in a single container, then counter space is saved, but individual access and hygiene are compromised

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecounter space utilizationVSAvoidindividual condiment access

Core Design Contradiction:

Area of stationary objectVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The single container is segmented into multiple separate chambers by internal dividers, creating distinct compartments for different condiments. Each chamber has its own independent dispensing mechanism with separate openings and panels, allowing users to access individual condiments without exposing or contaminating other condiments in adjacent chambers.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

3Ease of operation

If condiment containers are opened for dispensing, then access is enabled, but chamber integrity and hygiene are compromised

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecondiment dispensingVSAvoidchamber integrity

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The dispensing mechanism uses hinged panels that can dynamically open and close. When a condiment needs to be dispensed, the corresponding panel opens to allow access. When not in use, the panel closes to maintain chamber integrity and prevent contamination. This dynamic sealing mechanism ensures that only the currently accessed chamber is open while all other chambers remain sealed and protected.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentUS10562693B1Multiple condiment container assembly

Publication Date: 2020.02.18 AMBREZEWICZ LUCAS

AI summary

A multiple condiment container assembly includes a container and dividers positioned to define chambers within the container. Each of the chambers can contain a respective condiment. A lid is removably coupled to the container and has a plurality of openings. Each opening is aligned with a respective chamber when the lid is coupled to the container. Each of a plurality of first panels is hingedly coupled to the lid and aligned with a respective one of the openings in the lid and each of the first panels has an aperture extending therethrough. The aperture in each of the first panels is in fluid communication with the respective opening in the lid to dispense the condiment contained in the chamber into which the respective opening extends. A plurality of second panels is each hingedly coupled to a respective one of the first panels closing the aperture in the respective first panel.