Resealable Coconut Spout for Sterile Water Access
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Solution Overview
Problem
Consumers face difficulty in accessing coconut water without compromising its sterility, and existing solutions do not provide a convenient and secure method for accessing the water within a coconut.
Innovation Solution
A spigot system with a conduit, spike-tip, and spout, along with a retaining ring and cap, allows for easy access to coconut water by inserting the spigot through the coconut husk and meat, featuring a plunger mechanism for fluid control and an optional air vent with filter to prevent pulp entry, along with a protective cap and stand for convenience.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the spigot is inserted through the husk and into the coconut meat, then access to coconut water is enabled, but the risk of contaminating the sterile coconut water increases
Solution Approach 1:
The spigot is pre-inserted through the husk and into the coconut meat before the consumer receives the coconut, but the spigot cap remains on to prevent contamination. The consumer only needs to remove the cap and push the spigot in to access the water, separating the preliminary access preparation from the actual water access moment.
Solution Approach 2:
The spigot cap acts as an intermediary barrier between the external environment and the sterile coconut water. It maintains the sterile seal during shipping and handling, and only when intentionally removed and pushed in does it allow controlled access to the water.
2Ease of operation
If the spigot is left partially inserted during shipping, then access is prepared, but the spigot may be accidentally displaced or contaminated
Solution Approach 1:
The spigot is pre-positioned in the coconut during manufacturing, but the cap remains securely in place to prevent any displacement or contamination during shipping and handling. The consumer simply removes the cap to complete access.
Solution Approach 2:
The spigot cap serves as a protective barrier that cushions against potential harm (displacement or contamination) during the shipping and handling process. It is designed to remain securely in place until intentionally removed by the consumer.
3Ease of operation
If the spigot is fully inserted before consumption, then access is maximized, but the coconut water cannot be preserved for future consumption
Solution Approach 1:
The spigot system transitions from a sealed state (cap on) to an open state (cap pushed in). After consumption, the cap can be removed and reattached to reseal the coconut, allowing dynamic control over when the water is accessed and when it is preserved.
Solution Approach 2:
The spigot cap is designed to be temporarily removed for consumption and then recovered/reattached to reseal the coconut. This allows the consumer to access the water when needed and then preserve the remaining water for future consumption by putting the cap back on.
Data Source
AI summary
A resealable spigot for a coconut that provides easy access by consumers to the sterile coconut water within a coconut includes a valve seat positioned within a coconut aperture and a plunger sleeve positioned within the valve seat. The plunger sleeve has a based positioned membrane that seals the coconut aperture, A plunger-stopper is tethered to the plunger sleeve for shipping and storage and is used by the consumer to pierce the plunger sleeve membrane to gain access to the coconut water. The plunger sleeve is also used to reseal the coconut aperture to preserve any remaining coconut water for future consumption. Further provided is an additional embodiment for a spigot comprising a conduit having a spike-tip on one end and a spout on the other with a through bore therebetween. The coconut having a partially inserted spigot is provided to the consumer whereby the consumer gains access to the sterile coconut water by pushing the partially inserted spigot to its seated position with a grommet provided as an insertion stop for the spigot. An optional air vent is provided to aid in fluid flow from the spigot.