Reusable storage container
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing storage containers face challenges in efficiently loading and dispensing consumables due to the need for separate tools like funnels and the inefficiencies of spigots, which lead to spills, increased cleaning, and limited storage capacity.
Innovation Solution
A reusable storage container design featuring a lower portion with a large opening for loading and an upper portion with a spout for dispensing, allowing for efficient fluid communication between the two, eliminating the need for additional tools and optimizing storage space.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a large hole is used to load consumables, then loading efficiency is improved and funnels are eliminated, but dispensing becomes difficult and requires additional tools or spigots
Solution Approach 1:
The opening is segmented into two distinct openings: a first opening for loading consumables and a second opening for dispensing them. This segmentation allows each opening to be optimized for its specific function, resolving the contradiction between easy loading and easy dispensing.
Solution Approach 2:
The spigot mechanism is extracted and replaced by a second opening that allows direct dispensing. This eliminates the need for spigots while maintaining efficient dispensing capability, thereby improving ease of operation without compromising productivity.
2Ease of operation
If spigots are used for dispensing, then dispensing is enabled, but storage space is reduced and positioning is restricted
Solution Approach 1:
The spigot is completely extracted from the container design and replaced by a second opening. This eliminates the space-consuming spigot mechanism while preserving dispensing functionality, thereby increasing storage space and removing positioning restrictions.
Solution Approach 2:
The second opening enables self-service dispensing without requiring external spigot mechanisms. The container serves its own dispensing needs through the strategically positioned opening, eliminating the need for additional components that would consume storage space.
3Ease of operation
If spigots are used for dispensing, then liquid flow is controlled, but flow rate decreases as consumable is dispensed
Solution Approach 1:
The spigot's flow control mechanism is extracted and replaced by the geometry and positioning of the second opening. This maintains adequate flow control while preventing the flow rate decrease that occurs with spigots as consumable levels drop.
Solution Approach 2:
The dispensing function is moved from a vertical spigot mechanism to a horizontal opening configuration. This dimensional change allows liquid to flow freely from the second opening without the restrictions imposed by spigot mechanisms, maintaining consistent flow rate throughout dispensing.
4Manufacturing precision
If separate tools like funnels are used for loading, then precise loading is achieved, but time consumption and cleaning requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The container is segmented to include a first opening specifically designed for loading consumables. This dedicated opening eliminates the need for external funnels, reducing time consumption and cleaning requirements while maintaining loading precision through its optimized geometry.
Solution Approach 2:
The container performs its own loading function through the first opening without requiring external funnel tools. This self-service capability eliminates the time and effort associated with using separate loading tools, while the opening's design ensures precise loading.
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 container enables efficient loading and dispensing of consumables without additional tools, reduces waste by being reusable, and saves storage space by eliminating the need for spigots, while maintaining hygiene through a cap that prevents bacterial growth.
Implementation Method 1
The upper portion may be received by and in fluid communication with lower portion
Data Source
AI summary
A storage container and method of using the storage container is disclosed. In one embodiment, the storage container includes a lower portion that defines a first opening and can hold a liquid. The storage container includes an upper portion that defines a second opening and is received by and in fluid communication with lower portion. The storage container includes a spout that extends from the upper portion and at least a portion of the liquid can be poured from the spout.