Multi-Compartment Pitcher with Angled Spouts to Reduce Wrist Strain

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing pitcher designs are inefficient for serving multiple beverages and managing ice, as they require multiple pitchers, lead to spillage, and complicate the pouring and emptying of liquids due to cumbersome spout placement and tilting mechanisms.

Innovation Solution

A multiple-compartment pitcher with spouts positioned at least 110 degrees from the handle, allowing for easier tilting and pouring, and featuring venting openings in the lid to facilitate independent compartment discharge, along with downspouts for efficient liquid removal from the bottom of each compartment.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If spouts are positioned at 180 degrees from the handle, then liquid can be poured, but wrist strain increases and pouring becomes cumbersome

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepouring convenienceVSAvoidwrist strain

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSForce

Solution Approach 1:

The spouts are positioned at asymmetric angles (at least 110 degrees) from the handle rather than the conventional 180 degrees, creating an optimized ergonomic configuration that reduces wrist strain while maintaining pouring functionality

Inventive Principle:

Principle #4Asymmetry

Solution Approach 2:

The angular parameter of spout placement is changed from the standard 180 degrees to at least 110 degrees, optimizing the mechanical leverage and reducing the force required at the wrist joint during pouring operations

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Adaptability or versatility

If multiple pitchers are used for different beverages, then each beverage can be served separately, but significant room in the fridge compartment is occupied

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvebeverage serving capabilityVSAvoidfridge space

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

Multiple pitchers for different beverages are merged into a single multi-compartment pitcher, allowing multiple beverages to be stored and served simultaneously in one container, thereby reducing the total volume occupied in the refrigerator

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The pitcher is designed with multiple compartments and multiple spouts, enabling it to serve multiple functions and accommodate different beverages in a single universal container rather than requiring separate specialized pitchers

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Temperature

If ice is contained within the beverage, then the beverage can be cooled, but pouring becomes problematic and spillage occurs

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvebeverage coolingVSAvoidpouring stability

Core Design Contradiction:

TemperatureVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The pitcher is segmented into separate compartments: one compartment contains the beverage with ice for cooling, while another compartment contains plain beverage for pouring, allowing the cooling function and pouring function to be separated and performed independently without interference

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

4Productivity

If downspouts are provided at the bottom of each compartment, then liquid can be dispensed, but venting must be provided by untightening or removing lids which is inconvenient

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveliquid dispensing efficiencyVSAvoidventing convenience

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

Vent openings are provided in the lid structure itself, serving as an intermediary venting mechanism that allows air to escape during liquid dispensing without requiring the lid to be untightened or removed, thereby maintaining both dispensing efficiency and operational convenience

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

5Loss of substance

If the pitcher is tapered with smaller bottom portion, then complete liquid removal is facilitated, but manufacturing complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveresidual liquidVSAvoidpitcher fabrication

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of substanceVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The geometric parameters of the pitcher body are changed to create a tapered shape with a smaller bottom portion, optimizing the flow dynamics to facilitate complete liquid removal while the complexity is managed through standard molding techniques

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentUS11234541B2Multiple-compartment pitcher

Publication Date: 2022.02.01 JOHNSON ROBERT R J

AI summary

Provided herein is a multiple-compartment pitcher. The pitcher in one embodiment comprises openings for downspouts arranged in a bottom portion of the pitcher body, and in which each opening communicates with one of a respective compartment. A lid is provided with openings providing for fluid communication with each compartment to allow venting of air, thereby facilitating discharge of liquid contents from a compartment when a downspout is opened. In another embodiment, the pitcher has spouts formed in the top portion of the pitcher body and in which the spouts are arranged at an angle relate to the handle of the pitcher to facilitate ease of pouring.