Portion Dispensing Container With Slider-Cup Metering
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing dry food dispensers do not efficiently dispense food in preset increments and are not easily manufactured using injection molding.
Innovation Solution
A dry food storage dispenser with a base, hopper, slider, and cup system that allows for controlled dispensing of dry food in predetermined quantities, utilizing cam ledges and guide blocks for reciprocation between storage and dispensing positions, and a scraper portion for efficient closure of the aperture.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a mechanical dispensing system is used to dispense food in preset increments, then dispensing precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The dispensing mechanism is segmented into distinct functional components: a slider with blocking plate for controlling aperture closure, guide blocks for reciprocation guidance, cam ledges for motion control, and a scraper portion for sealing. This segmentation allows each component to perform a specific function, achieving preset increment dispensing through coordinated simple movements rather than a complex integrated mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The scraper portion is designed with reduced thickness and increased flexibility, allowing it to automatically seal against the closed end of the slide notch when the blocking plate closes the aperture. This self-sealing action eliminates the need for additional sealing mechanisms, maintaining dispensing precision while minimizing device complexity.
2Ease of operation
If multiple components are used for controlled dispensing, then dispensing control is improved, but ease of manufacture deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple dispensing control functions are merged into a single slider component. The blocking plate, guide blocks, and cup stop are integrated into one piece that reciprocates between storage and dispensing positions. This merging maintains precise dispensing control through the coordinated action of integrated features while significantly improving ease of manufacture by reducing the number of separate parts that require assembly.
Solution Approach 2:
The slider serves multiple functions simultaneously: the blocking plate controls aperture closure, the guide blocks provide reciprocation guidance, and the cup stop positions the cup. This multi-functionality achieves controlled dispensing through a single component, improving ease of manufacture by eliminating the need for multiple separate control mechanisms.
3Reliability
If a scraper portion with reduced thickness is used for aperture closure, then sealing effectiveness is improved, but manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The scraper portion is designed with changed physical parameters: reduced thickness and increased flexibility. These parameter changes allow the scraper to deform and conform to the closed end of the slide notch, improving sealing effectiveness. The flexibility compensates for minor manufacturing variations, reducing the stringency of manufacturing precision requirements while maintaining reliable sealing.
Data Source
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AI summary
A portion dispensing container (109) including a base (12) supporting a hopper (14) to store the food. A cup (20) may be inserted into and removed from the base (12), and interacts with a slider (18) to dispense a predetermined quantity of food into the cup (20)upon each insertion. The hopper (14) may include a scraper portion (82) to assist in closing off the flow of food from the hopper during dispensing.