Reusable Mixing Bottle with Dual Chambers and Pump Transfer
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing container systems for storing and applying liquids face issues with waste management due to disposable containers and hazardous concentrate handling, as well as the need for accurate mixing ratios, which are not adequately addressed by prior solutions that often render containers non-reusable or complicate the measurement process.
Innovation Solution
A self-contained mixing and dispensing container with two chambers, a pump mechanism for transferring concentrate to diluent, and refillable apertures for easy refilling and mixing, ensuring accurate concentration ratios and reducing waste.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If containers are disposed of after use, then the container is simple and easy to manufacture, but waste management problems increase and environmental sustainability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The container is divided into multiple chambers (first chamber for concentrate, second chamber for dilutant) that can be independently filled and emptied. This segmentation allows the container structure to be reused while the contents are replaced, reducing overall waste without compromising manufacturing simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention enables recovery and reuse of the container body by separating it from its contents. The container can be refilled multiple times after emptying, transforming it from a single-use disposable item into a reusable vessel, thereby reducing waste generation while maintaining ease of manufacture.
2Adaptability or versatility
If concentrate is stored and handled by end users, then the container provides full functionality, but user safety deteriorates due to exposure to hazardous materials
Solution Approach 1:
The container separates hazardous concentrate from the user by placing it in a sealed first chamber that never needs to be opened. Only the diluted mixture in the second chamber comes into contact with the user during normal operation, significantly reducing exposure to harmful concentrated materials while preserving full container functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention introduces a mechanical transfer mechanism (pump or siphon) as an intermediary between the concentrate and the user. This intermediary automatically transfers measured amounts of concentrate to the dilutant chamber, eliminating the need for manual handling of hazardous materials while maintaining complete container functionality.
3Ease of operation
If concentrate is manually measured and mixed, then the container provides flexibility in mixing ratios, but measurement precision and mixing accuracy deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The container incorporates pre-marked volume indicators and measurement scales on the chambers before use. These preliminary markings guide users to fill the chambers to the correct levels, ensuring accurate mixing ratios without requiring complex measurement tools or procedures, thus maintaining ease of operation while improving measurement precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The container provides visual feedback through transparent or translucent chambers with graduated markings, allowing users to monitor the filling process in real-time. This feedback mechanism ensures that the correct amount of concentrate and dilutant are added, achieving precise mixing ratios while keeping the operation simple and flexible.
4Device complexity
If a puncturing or breaking device is used to mix contents, then the mixing mechanism is simple, but the container becomes non-reusable
Solution Approach 1:
The invention replaces the irreversible puncturing or breaking mechanism with a reversible mechanical pump or siphon system. This substitution maintains the simplicity of the mixing mechanism while enabling the container to be emptied and refilled multiple times, thus preserving reusability without increasing overall device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The pump or siphon mechanism is designed to be manually operated by the user without requiring external tools or complex mechanisms. The user can easily activate the pump to transfer contents between chambers or empty the container, maintaining simplicity while enabling repeated use of the container over an extended period.
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 solution allows for a reusable container that minimizes waste, safely handles concentrates by ensuring accurate mixing ratios, and facilitates easy refilling, enhancing user safety and environmental sustainability.
Implementation Method 1
The mechanism may be a pump, siphon, or any other instrument capable of displacing the concentrate.
Implementation Method 2
The mechanism may be a pump, siphon, or any other instrument capable of displacing the concentrate.
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention consists of a self contained mixing and dispensing container having at least two chambers, a mechanism by which fluid may be transferred from one chamber to another, a mechanism by which to dispense the mixture, and openings in each of the chambers for refilling the chambers with the appropriate fluid.