Multi-compartment pitcher with selectable dispensing port

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing solutions fail to provide a single container that can efficiently hold and dispense multiple beverages, leading to multiple containers being passed around, which results in inconvenience and spillage during social or culinary situations.

Innovation Solution

A multi-compartment pitcher with selectable dispensing ports, featuring removable and adjustable dividers, allowing each compartment to hold a different liquid, and a mechanism where liquids are dispensed from the bottom through a peg-activated fluid conduit system, eliminating top pouring and reducing spillage.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If multiple separate containers are used to hold different beverages, then each person can have their preferred drink, but the number of containers increases and requires passing around the table

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvebeverage selection capabilityVSAvoidnumber of containers

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The pitcher is divided into multiple separate compartments that can each hold different beverages. Removable dividers create distinct sections within the single pitcher body, allowing multiple beverage types to be stored simultaneously without mixing.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Multiple beverage storage functions are merged into a single pitcher unit. Instead of using separate containers for different drinks, the invention combines multiple compartments in one pitcher with a common base and dispensing mechanism.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

2Ease of operation

If traditional top-pouring pitchers are used, then liquid can be dispensed easily, but spillage occurs during pouring

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveliquid dispensingVSAvoidspillage

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

Instead of pouring liquid from the top opening as in traditional pitchers, the invention dispenses liquid from the bottom through dispensing ports. This inverted approach eliminates the spillage associated with top-pouring by controlling flow from below.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

Solution Approach 2:

A valve mechanism acts as an intermediary between the liquid reservoir and the dispensing port. The valve controls and regulates liquid flow, preventing uncontrolled pouring and spillage while maintaining ease of dispensing.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Device complexity

If a single container holds multiple beverages, then the number of containers is minimized, but selecting and dispensing the desired liquid becomes difficult

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvenumber of containersVSAvoidbeverage selection

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

Each compartment is equipped with its own dedicated dispensing port and control mechanism. This allows users to select which beverage to dispense by controlling which compartment's port is activated, making beverage selection intuitive and easy.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The invention uses visual indicators such as colored windows or markings on the pitcher body to show which compartment contains which beverage. This allows users to quickly identify and select their desired drink without confusion.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #32Color changes

4Adaptability or versatility

If removable dividers are added to create multiple compartments, then beverage separation is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecompartment configurationVSAvoiddivider mechanism

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The dividers are designed to be removable and repositionable rather than fixed. This dynamic configuration allows users to adjust the number and size of compartments based on their needs, adding versatility without requiring a complex permanent structure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

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 multi-compartment pitcher allows users to easily select and dispense their preferred liquid from a single container, minimizing the number of containers needed and reducing spillage, making it suitable for culinary and service purposes with its durable and visually appealing design.

Implementation Method 1

When pressure is released from the peg a spring pushes the peg outward within the channel, again blocking the path between the inlet opening and discharge opening with the solid section of the peg.

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectSpring: Spring

Data Source

PatentUS10544030B2Multi-compartment pitcher with selectable dispensing port

Publication Date: 2020.01.28 EWING SAMANTHA

AI summary

The disclosed device is a multi-compartment container. Each compartment is capable of holding a different liquid. The user actuates a valve to dispense the liquid of his or her choice.The multi-compartment pitcher with selectable dispensing port eliminates spillage from the top, and eliminates fumbling over multiple and various drinks or liquids. The device compartmentalizes multiple drinks or liquids within a single container, while easily dispersing the drink or liquid from the designated bottom port.