Portable Packet Dispenser with Integrated Opening and Roller Discharge
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing condiment packaging, particularly individual portion packets or sachets, often require expensive or complicated methods for users to access and dispense contents, especially for high-volume users.
Innovation Solution
A portable device with an opening mechanism that includes a slot and cutting implement to open the packet, and a dispensing mechanism featuring a rotatable cap, roller element, and discharge slot to facilitate easy access and evacuation of contents, designed for convenient use and transportation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If traditional packet opening methods are used, then the packet structure remains simple and inexpensive, but the user experience is poor and operation is difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the opening mechanism and dispensing mechanism into a single integrated device. The opening mechanism includes a cutting implement that opens the packet, while the dispensing mechanism uses a roller element and discharge slot to evacuate contents. By merging these functions into one device, the patent improves ease of operation without requiring multiple separate tools, thus avoiding excessive complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a roller element as an intermediary component between the user's manual rotation and the packet contents. The roller element, when rotated, engages with the packet and pushes contents through the discharge slot. This intermediary mechanism transforms simple rotational motion into effective dispensing action, improving ease of operation while keeping the overall device relatively simple.
2Productivity
If simple packet structures are used, then manufacturing costs are low, but dispensing efficiency is poor for high-volume users
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a rotatable roller element that can be manually rotated to dynamically control the dispensing process. This dynamic mechanism allows users to rotate the roller back and forth to push contents through the discharge slot, enabling faster and more efficient dispensing compared to static packet structures. The dynamic nature of the roller element significantly improves productivity for high-volume users.
3Loss of time
If no opening mechanism is provided, then the packet design remains simple, but access to contents is difficult and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The opening mechanism includes a cutting implement positioned to pre-open the packet before dispensing. The cutting implement can be used to slice open the packet seal, creating an opening through which contents can be accessed. This preliminary action of pre-opening the packet significantly reduces the time required to access contents, while the cutting implement remains a relatively simple component.
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 device simplifies the process of opening and dispensing condiments from packets, making it easier and more convenient for users, especially for on-the-go use, by allowing easy access and evacuation of contents without the need for complex methods.
Implementation Method 1
the roller element and the lengthwise slit are rotated around the axle, such that the packet is pulled at least partially through the discharge slot
Implementation Method 2
a knife or cutting implement disposed at an end of the opening slot to facilitate removal of the corner of the packet
Data Source
AI summary
Apparatuses and methods are provided herein useful to open and discharge the contents of a packet or sachet. In some embodiments, a portable dispensing device includes a housing, an opening mechanism, and a discharging mechanism. In some configurations, the device includes a rotatable axle, a rotatable cap disposed at an end of the housing, and a roller element (coupled to the axle) that is configured to rotate with manual rotation of the rotatable cap, and a slot in the housing that permits at least a portion of the packet to advance through, wherein the slot and housing assists with pressing opposing packet walls together to discharge the contents of the packet. In some configurations, the opening mechanism also includes another housing slot where a corner of the packet may be fed and a knife element disposed to facilitate removal of the corner to thereby open the packet.