Protective Spout Cover With Flow Regulation for Wide Pouch Spouts

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Solution Overview

Problem

Universal dispensing spouts on baby food pouches are problematic due to their wide diameter, which leads to spills and limited control for young children, and the rigid structure with sharp corners poses a risk of injury from biting.

Innovation Solution

A protective spout cover with a flexible elastomer design that securely grips the spout, includes a cushioning portion to prevent injuries, and a food regulating valve to control the flow of food, minimizing spills and injuries.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Speed

If a wide diameter spout is used for easy-flow of food products, then the food dispensing speed is improved, but the control precision deteriorates causing spills

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefood dispensing speedVSAvoidpressure control precision

Core Design Contradiction:

SpeedVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the flow control parameter from wide-open dispensing to a regulated valve mechanism with adjustable aperture size. The valve portion restricts and controls the flow opening, transforming the uncontrolled wide-flow into a precisely regulated stream that children can manage with limited motor skills.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The valve mechanism acts as an intermediary between the food pouch and the child. It mediates the flow control function, allowing children to regulate food dispensing through simple valve operation rather than requiring precise pressure control on the entire pouch.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Strength

If a rigid spout structure is used for safety during filling, then the structural strength is improved, but the harmful factors increase due to sharp corners causing injury

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvespout structural strengthVSAvoidinjury risk from sharp corners

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies a flexible elastomeric spout cover that envelops the rigid spout. This flexible shell maintains the structural integrity of the rigid spout while providing a soft, flexible outer surface that eliminates sharp corners and prevents injury to children's mouths and gums.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

Solution Approach 2:

The solution combines rigid spout material with flexible elastomeric material to create a composite structure. The rigid core provides structural strength for filling and durability, while the flexible outer layer provides safety and comfort for child use.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

3Ease of manufacture

If a simple spout design is used for ease of manufacture, then the manufacturing complexity is reduced, but the device functionality deteriorates due to lack of flow control

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvespout manufacturing simplicityVSAvoidflow control capability

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The spout is segmented into distinct functional portions: a rigid spout core, a flexible elastomeric cover, and an integrated valve mechanism. This segmentation allows each component to be manufactured separately with optimized processes while assembling to create a multi-functional device with both structural integrity and flow control capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

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 protective spout cover effectively prevents spills and injuries by securely gripping the spout, cushioning it to prevent biting hazards, and regulating the food flow, enhancing the feeding experience for young children.

Implementation Method 1

a valve aperture configured to control a flow of food from the pouch

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPressure differential: Pressure Gradient

Implementation Method 2

a gripping portion configured to secure the spout cover to the spout

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectFriction: Friction

Data Source

PatentUS9144336B2Protective spout cover with food regulating valve

Publication Date: 2015.09.29 CHOOMEE

AI summary

Provided herein are protective spout covers adapted to couple to the universal dispensing spout of a food pouch, such as a baby food pouch. The protective spout covers may be formed from a flexible elastomer and may grip the spout securely via one or more gripping lips adapted to engage a corresponding groove on the universal spout. When so coupled, the protective spout cover may cushion the spout to protect the user's mouth and lips from injury. The protective spout cover also may include a food regulating valve that may control the flow of food from the pouch. The protective spout cover also may include a cap member to keep the protective spout cover clean when not in use, a gripping ring to facilitate use of the cap, and may have a size and durometer hardness sufficient to prevent the device from being a choking hazard.