Multi-compartment dispensing container with common lid
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing containers for dispensing substances, such as baby formulas, lack ergonomic design and hygienic features that facilitate easy use and prevent leakage, especially when dealing with powders that can clump or stick to the container walls.
Innovation Solution
A multi-compartment container with radially arranged cells around a central axis, featuring a common lid for leak-proof access and outlets at the bottom for easy gravity-driven discharge, along with a smooth interior to prevent clumping and a handle for easy handling.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a multi-compartment container is used to store different substances, then storage capacity and versatility are improved, but the complexity of the closure system increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple individual closures into a single common lid that seals all compartments simultaneously. This merging approach maintains the versatility of storing multiple substances while simplifying the closure system to a single component that can be opened and closed once to access all compartments.
Solution Approach 2:
The common lid serves multiple functions: it seals all compartments, provides a single access point for filling multiple compartments, and maintains hygiene by minimizing exposure to contaminants. This universal design eliminates the need for multiple separate closure mechanisms.
2Productivity
If outlets are located at the bottom of cells, then gravity-driven discharge is improved, but the risk of leakage increases
Solution Approach 1:
The outlets are designed with movable closures that can dynamically open or close based on usage needs. When not in use, the closures remain closed to prevent leakage; during discharge, they open to allow gravity-driven flow. This dynamic control resolves the contradiction between efficient discharge and leakage prevention.
Solution Approach 2:
The outlet closure acts as an intermediary between the stored substance and the external environment. It controls the flow path, allowing complete emptying when opened while preventing any leakage when closed, thus mediating between the conflicting requirements of discharge efficiency and leakage prevention.
3Ease of operation
If the inside face of cells is made smooth, then ease of discharge is improved, but the ability to prevent clumping on walls is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs curved or rounded interior surfaces in the compartments rather than sharp corners. This curvature allows substances to flow more easily toward the outlets while preventing accumulation in corners. The smooth curved surfaces reduce friction and guide material flow, achieving both easy discharge and prevention of clumping.
4Ease of operation
If a common lid is used for all cells, then ease of access is improved, but the ability to maintain hygiene is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
While using a common lid for ease of access, the patent segments the interior with separate compartments that are physically isolated from each other. This segmentation prevents cross-contamination between different substances while allowing unified access through the single lid, thus maintaining hygiene without sacrificing ease of operation.
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
The container ensures easy and complete discharge of substances while maintaining hygiene and ergonomic usability, allowing users to visualize the contents and ensuring the container remains upright for effective drainage.
Implementation Method 1
outlets at the bottom for easy gravity-driven discharge
Data Source
AI summary
A multi-compartment dispensing container includes multiple cells arranged around an axis. A common lid is provided. The cells each have an outlet port arranged substantially at the bottom, and each of these cells is isolated, one from the other, so that a substance can be in each cell independently of the other.