Pivoting Spout with Detent Locking for Powder Dispensing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing dispensing containers for powdered or granular materials require users to grope for a measuring scoop, leading to soiled hands and exposure to bacteria, and existing solutions are complex and cumbersome to use.
Innovation Solution
A hinged spout assembly that pivots between closed and open positions, allowing for a metered dose of product to be dispensed while sealing the container opening, featuring a detent mechanism for secure engagement and easy operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a measuring scoop is provided inside the container for dispensing powder, then users can dispense a specific amount of powder, but users must grope for the scoop with their hands, leading to soiled hands and exposure to bacteria
Solution Approach 1:
The measuring scoop is extracted from the container interior and replaced by a spout integrated into the cap assembly. The spout contains an internal measuring chamber that holds a predetermined amount of powder, eliminating the need for users to reach into the container with their hands. Users simply open the spout to access the pre-measured powder, thus solving both the measurement precision requirement and the hand contamination problem.
2Measurement precision
If a built-in measuring device is provided in the cap as disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,840,944, then predetermined amounts of powder can be dispensed, but the structure becomes complex and cumbersome to use
Solution Approach 1:
The cap assembly is segmented into distinct functional components: a spout portion with an internal measuring chamber, a body portion receiving the container, and a detent mechanism for positioning. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function independently while maintaining overall simplicity. The spout can be rotated to different positions (open, closed, dispensing) without affecting other components, making the device easier to operate compared to integrated complex mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The spout is designed to be rotatable relative to the cap body, providing dynamic positioning between open, closed, and dispensing states. This rotational movement is simpler and more intuitive than complex mechanical mechanisms. The detent mechanism provides automatic positioning at predetermined angles, ensuring consistent operation without requiring users to manually precise-position components, thereby enhancing ease of operation while maintaining measurement precision.
3Ease of operation
If the spout is always open to allow powder dispensing, then powder can be easily accessed, but product spills and loss occur
Solution Approach 1:
The spout is designed with dynamic positioning capability, allowing it to be rotated between an open position (for filling), a closed position (for preventing spills), and a dispensing position (at a predetermined angle). This dynamic design enables the spout to adapt to different operational requirements. When not in use, the spout can be closed to prevent powder leakage, while during dispensing, it opens to a controlled angle that allows powder flow while minimizing spillage risk.
Solution Approach 2:
The detent mechanism provides preliminary positioning of the spout at predetermined angles before actual powder dispensing begins. By pre-positioning the spout at the correct dispensing angle, the system ensures that powder flows in a controlled manner from the start, preventing spills that would occur with manual or uncontrolled opening. This preliminary positioning action eliminates the need for users to carefully control the opening angle during operation.
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
Enables efficient and hygienic dispensing of a predetermined amount of powder without soiling hands, with a simplified and user-friendly design that prevents spills and maintains product containment during use.
Implementation Method 1
the spout legs frictionally engage a detent
Data Source
AI summary
A container and spout assembly in which the spout is pivotally attached to the container. The spout is pivotally moveable between a closed position in which a spout exterior wall is flush with the container sidewall and an open position in which a spout interior wall is flush with the sidewall and spout legs frictionally engage a detent. The spout accommodates a metered dose of product. In the fully open position, the spout seals the opening in the sidewall to prevent product from exiting the container while a metered dose is dispensed from the open spout.