Nested Reservoir Container for Simultaneous Liquid Dispensing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing container designs for storing multiple liquids often result in mixing of liquids within the container upon opening, which can lead to undesirable mixing and loss of quality before consumption.
Innovation Solution
A container with internal reservoirs and a mechanism that allows for simultaneous dispensing of multiple liquids through a single opening without mixing until exit, using a seal that peels away to expose dispensing and vent openings, ensuring liquids remain separate until they exit the container.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If multiple liquids are stored in separate compartments within a single container, then the convenience of having multiple liquids in one container is improved, but the liquids may mix inside the container upon opening which deteriorates the quality of each liquid
Solution Approach 1:
The container is divided into multiple separate reservoirs (first reservoir, second reservoir) that are nested within the same container structure. Each reservoir maintains independent containment for its liquid, allowing multiple liquids to be stored in one container while preventing unwanted mixing through physical segmentation of the internal space.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a nested reservoir structure where one reservoir is placed inside another reservoir within the same container. This nested configuration allows multiple liquids to coexist in a single container footprint while maintaining complete separation between liquids until the moment of dispensing, thus preserving quality while providing convenience.
2Reliability
If a seal covers the dispensing opening to prevent mixing, then the separation of liquids is improved, but the complexity of the opening mechanism increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the opening functions for multiple reservoirs into a single integrated opening mechanism. When the user opens the container, one action simultaneously removes seals from both the first reservoir and the second reservoir, allowing both liquids to be dispensed through a single pour opening. This merging of functions maintains liquid separation while avoiding the need for separate complex opening mechanisms for each reservoir.
Solution Approach 2:
The opening mechanism is designed to automatically perform the seal removal function for both reservoirs through a single user action. The mechanism self-coordinates to uncover both dispensing openings simultaneously, eliminating the need for separate manual operations and reducing overall system complexity while maintaining reliable liquid separation until dispensing.
Data Source
AI summary
A liquid storage and dispensing device having at least two internal reservoirs to store two discrete liquids and to dispense the two liquids through a single opening without mixing the liquids until exiting the single opening, the device including a container to store a first liquid and at least a first reservoir mounted under the lid of the container that stores a second liquid, and an opening mechanism on the top that creates a pour opening in the top and removes a seal from the first reservoir to enable simultaneous dispensing of the first and second liquids through the pour opening while maintaining separation of the first and second liquids until they exit the pour opening.