Reusable Feeder Dispenser with Pump and Valve for Controlled Food Flow
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing feeding dispensers for infants and individuals with disabilities or incapacities face issues such as mess creation, wastage, and difficulty in emptying contents, as they are either single-use and prone to spills or squeezable containers that allow excessive food ejection.
Innovation Solution
A reusable dispenser kit comprising a tubular body with a sliding bung for forming a seal, a base cap for airflow, and various attachments like a pump and spoon for controlled dispensing, ensuring non-spill and easy cleaning, with a valve system to manage airflow and material flow direction.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If squeezable silicone containers are used for feeding, then portability and reusability are improved, but the ability to empty entire contents and control food flow is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The dispenser uses a dynamic pump mechanism with movable plunger that can be actuated to dispense controlled amounts of food. The pump assembly includes a piston, spring, and valve system that allows precise control over food flow, transforming the static squeezable container into a dynamically controllable dispensing system.
Solution Approach 2:
The pump assembly acts as an intermediary between the food storage chamber and the delivery mechanism. It includes a piston, spring, and valve system that mediates the transfer of food from the container to the spoon or directly to the infant, providing controlled dispensing while maintaining the reusability and portability of the container.
2Reliability
If single-use packaging is used for baby food, then hygiene and ease of cleaning are improved, but waste and cost are worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The dispenser design allows for complete emptying of food contents through the pump mechanism, recovering nearly 100% of the food from the container. The removable pump assembly and wide-mouth container facilitate complete discharge, eliminating the need to discard leftover food and reducing waste while maintaining hygiene through easy cleaning of components.
Solution Approach 2:
The dispenser is segmented into removable components including the pump assembly, spoon, and container. This segmentation allows each part to be easily cleaned and sanitized, maintaining hygiene standards comparable to single-use packaging while enabling reuse of the main container to reduce food waste.
3Ease of operation
If squeezable containers are given to toddlers for independent feeding, then self-feeding capability is improved, but mess creation and food ejection are worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The dispenser is designed to be operated by toddlers themselves for independent feeding. The pump mechanism can be actuated by the child to dispense food onto the spoon, and the spout design allows direct feeding. This self-service capability promotes independence while the controlled dispensing mechanism prevents excessive food ejection and mess.
Solution Approach 2:
The pump assembly and spout act as intermediaries that control the food flow between the container and the infant/toddler. This mediation provides regulated dispensing that prevents the uncontrolled food ejection and mess associated with direct squeezing, while still allowing the child to operate the system for independent feeding.
4Object-generated harmful factors
If rigid dispensers are used to prevent squeezing mess, then food ejection control is improved, but ease of emptying and cleaning is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The dispenser combines a rigid container structure with a dynamic pump mechanism inside. The rigid outer shell provides structural integrity and control over food ejection, while the internal pump components (piston, spring, valve) are movable and can be actuated to dispense food. This dynamic element within the rigid structure enables complete emptying and easy cleaning of the container.
Solution Approach 2:
The dispenser is segmented into the rigid container and the removable pump assembly. The pump assembly can be detached from the container, allowing the container to be easily emptied and cleaned of any remaining food. The segmented design maintains the food ejection control provided by the rigid structure while improving ease of emptying and cleaning through component separation.
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 dispenser provides a mess-free, wastage-reduced feeding solution that allows for easy emptying and independent feeding, promoting hygiene and convenience for both parents and users, while being adaptable for different food types.
Implementation Method 1
a bung which: is adapted to slide within the tubular body; and has a periphery which is adapted to form a sliding seal between that periphery and the internal side walls of the tubular body
Implementation Method 2
a base cap having an aperture through it, the base cap being adapted: for mounting at a first end of the tubular body so as to substantially occlude that end; and to allow airflow through the aperture into the tubular body as the bung moves in a direction away from the first end of the tubular body
Data Source
AI summary
A kit of parts for a feeder has a body and a bung that can slide within the body. A periphery of the bung can form a sliding seal between that periphery and the internal side walls of the body. A base cap has an aperture and is mountable at a lower end of the body to substantially occlude that end and allow airflow through the aperture into the body as the bung moves away. The kit has a teat mouthpiece for liquid foods, a sipper mouthpiece for pureed food, and a spout mouthpiece for mashed food and a pump attachment. The pump attachment has a pump and a spoon. The pump has a pump bung which moves reciprocatingly within the body and forms a sliding seal with the internal side walls. A valve allows food to flow from the feeder but prevents the flow of food into the feeder.