Nested Flexible Bag for Consistent Batter Dispensing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for transferring and dispensing batter or dough are messy, time-consuming, and often result in inconsistent dispensing, leading to uneven baked goods, and are not always readily available with product precursors.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising an outer container and a flexible inner container with a dispensing mechanism, where the inner container can hold a precursor to the product, allowing for precise and consistent dispensing by sealing and cutting a corner to create a tip, eliminating the need for frequent refilling.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If traditional utensils like measuring cups, batter dispensers, spoons, and ladles are used to transfer dispensable product, then the product can be transferred from one place to another, but the process becomes messy and time-consuming requiring frequent re-filling and increased clean-up
Solution Approach 1:
The flexible inner container is nested within the rigid outer container, with the inner container's top end cuffing over the outer container's top end. This nested structure allows the inner container to be easily removed and replaced while maintaining stability during dispensing, eliminating the need for frequent refilling and clean-up of traditional utensils
Solution Approach 2:
The inner container is designed as a disposable component that can be easily replaced when empty. The cuffing mechanism allows quick removal of the depleted inner container and installation of a fresh one, transforming the traditional reusable-but-messy utensils into a disposable system that reduces clean-up time and increases productivity
2Manufacturing precision
If traditional utensils are used for dispensing, then product transfer is possible, but dispensing becomes inconsistent leading to uneven and unattractive baked goods
Solution Approach 1:
The inner container is designed with a specific corner configuration that creates a consistent dispensing tip. By opening one or more corners of the flexible inner container, a uniform opening is created that ensures consistent product flow, directly improving dispensing precision and the uniformity of baked goods
Solution Approach 2:
The flexible inner container allows for dynamic pressure application during dispensing. Pressure can be applied to the inner container to control the flow rate of the dispensable product, ensuring consistent dispensing speed and amount, which maintains uniformity across all baked goods
3Ease of operation
If the inner container top end is left open for filling, then product transfer is easy, but the opening may close due to lack of rigidity causing dispensing problems
Solution Approach 1:
The inner container's top end is designed to cuff over the outer container's top end, providing structural support to the opening during both filling and dispensing operations. This nested configuration maintains the opening stable and prevents closure while allowing easy product transfer
Solution Approach 2:
The outer container serves as an intermediary structural support for the inner container's opening. By cuffing the inner container over the outer container, the rigid outer structure prevents the flexible inner container's opening from collapsing, ensuring both ease of filling and reliability during dispensing
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus for dispensing a dispensable product can include a flexible inner container and an outer container. The inner container can have a cavity configured to receive a dispensable product, a top end defining or configured to define a sealable opening in fluid communication with the cavity, and a closed bottom end that defines one or more corners. The outer container can have a cavity configured to receive the inner container, a top end that is open or is configured to be opened, and a closed bottom. The inner container can be sized such that, when the top end of the outer container is open, the inner container is disposable within the cavity of the outer container such that the corner(s) are disposed within the cavity of the outer container and the top end of the inner container is foldable over the top end of the outer container.