Pitcher Mixing Assembly to Minimize Air in Baby Formula
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing pitchers introduce large amounts of air into liquid solutions during mixing, causing discomfort and requiring frequent preparation of baby formula, as well as partial separation of stored formula that needs remixing.
Innovation Solution
A pitcher with a mixing device featuring a shaft and agitating member that translates and rotates within the container, equipped with curved and angled blades, minimizes air introduction by agitating the liquid solution effectively without exceeding the water line, ensuring thorough mixing while preventing air entrapment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If traditional shaking or spoon mixing is used to mix liquid solutions, then mixing is achieved, but large amounts of air are introduced into the mixture causing colic and discomfort
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical mixing methods (shaking bottles or spoon stirring) with an ultrasonic mixing device that uses high-frequency vibrations to mix liquid solutions. The ultrasonic transducer generates cavitation bubbles that collapse to create micro-jets, achieving thorough mixing without introducing large amounts of air into the mixture, thus eliminating colic-causing air bubbles while maintaining effective mixing capability
2Loss of time
If large quantities of formula are pre-made and stored in an air tight container, then preparation frequency is reduced, but the formula partially separates during storage requiring remixing
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates a mixing device within the storage container itself, enabling preliminary mixing action to be performed before storage and again before use. The ultrasonic mixing device can be activated to thoroughly mix the formula concentrate and water before sealing the container for storage, and can be activated again before feeding to remix any separated formula, ensuring consistent composition without frequent disposal and repreparation
3Adaptability or versatility
If traditional mixing devices are used, then mixing capability is achieved, but the device complexity increases due to separate mixing tools
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the storage container and mixing device into a single integrated unit. The ultrasonic transducer, mixing chamber, and storage container are combined into one device, eliminating the need for separate bottles, spoons, or external mixing tools. This integration maintains full mixing capability while reducing overall device complexity and the number of components that need to be managed
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 pitcher efficiently mixes liquid and solid solutions without introducing excess air, reducing the need for frequent bottle preparation and minimizing formula separation, allowing for easy storage and reuse of mixed formula.
Implementation Method 1
an agitating member connected to the shaft for conjoint translation therewith relative to the container to agitate the liquid in the container
Data Source
AI summary
A pitcher has a container for containing liquid and a mixing device disposed at least in part within the container. The mixing device has a shaft adapted for translation relative to the container. An agitating member is connected to the shaft for conjoint translation therewith relative to the container to agitate the liquid in the container. A stop is disposed on the shaft to limit translational movement of the shaft and the agitating member.