Multi-chamber container and methods
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing drink containers for sports and health enthusiasts require manual handling of multiple supplement powders and separate mechanical agitators, leading to inefficiencies in time and space, as well as challenges in maintaining proper fluid-to-supplement ratios and administering supplements at different workout times.
Innovation Solution
A multi-chamber container with a first chamber positioned between a liquid chamber and a second chamber, featuring liquid-tight seals between the chambers, allowing for efficient storage and mixing of multiple supplements within a single container without the need for external compartments or independent agitators.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple supplements are stored in separate external compartments, then multiple supplements can be carried, but the bottle dimension increases and space efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent places supplement storage chambers inside the liquid chamber of the bottle, creating a nested structure where one container is positioned within another. This allows multiple supplements to be stored without increasing the external dimensions of the bottle, as the chambers are contained within the existing bottle volume.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent divides the internal volume of the bottle into multiple separate chambers, each capable of storing different supplements. This segmentation allows users to carry multiple supplements while maintaining a compact single-bottle structure, as each chamber is isolated within the overall bottle volume.
2Adaptability or versatility
If external storage compartments are added to the bottle, then multiple supplements can be stored, but the number of steps required for use increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the supplement storage chambers and the liquid chamber into a single integrated bottle structure. Users can access all supplements and liquid from one container, eliminating the need to transfer supplements between separate external compartments and the bottle, thus reducing the number of steps required.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent incorporates rotatable seals that can transition between closed and open positions, allowing dynamic access to different chambers. This mechanism enables users to easily open specific chambers as needed without complex operations, maintaining simplicity while providing versatile access to multiple supplements.
3Adaptability or versatility
If external compartments are used to store supplements, then multiple powders can be carried, but time efficiency decreases due to multiple handling steps
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the storage of multiple supplements and liquid into a single bottle structure with internal chambers. Users can directly access both supplements and liquid from one container, eliminating the time-consuming transfer process required by external compartment designs where supplements must be moved from separate storage to the bottle.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent allows users to pre-load multiple supplements into separate chambers during a convenient time (such as at home), and then simply access them during workouts. The rotatable seals are pre-configured to allow easy access to each chamber, reducing the time required during actual use.
4Reliability
If supplements are stored in chambers with seals, then liquid-tight separation is achieved, but the complexity of the sealing mechanism increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses rotatable seals that can dynamically transition between closed (liquid-tight) and open positions. This dynamic sealing mechanism provides reliable liquid separation when closed, while allowing easy access when opened, balancing reliability with operational simplicity through a single rotational motion.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs flexible seal elements that can deform to create liquid-tight barriers between chambers. These flexible sealing components provide reliable separation while requiring minimal mechanical complexity, as the flexibility of the material itself enables the sealing function without complex rigid structures.
Data Source
AI summary
Methods and systems are provided for a multi-chambered container. In one example, a container comprising a first chamber is positioned between a liquid chamber and a second chamber, a first seal is positioned between the first chamber and the liquid chamber, and a second seal is positioned between the second chamber and the first chamber. By rotating a first external ring of the container that is positioned between the liquid chamber and the first chamber of the container a first liquid tight seal is opened to enable communication between the liquid chamber and the first chamber. The first external ring may be positioned at a first end of the liquid chamber that is opposite a second end of the liquid chamber that includes a drinking opening.