Rotating Chamber Adapter with Cutting Blade for Controlled Mixing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing container systems for mixing beverage components are either complex, costly, or fail to ensure reliable mixing of reactive components with shorter shelf lives, as they often require automatic opening upon connection, which is not always desirable or practical.
Innovation Solution
A container system featuring a chamber with a base for receiving a mixture component and an adapter that forms a flow channel with a blade element for opening the chamber base upon rotation, allowing for controlled and independent mixing without automatic opening upon connection, and is designed for cost-effective manufacturing and easy assembly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the chamber base is automatically opened upon connection to the second container, then the mixing process is simplified, but reliable and controlled mixing cannot be ensured
Solution Approach 1:
The blade element is pre-positioned in the adapter such that when the chamber is connected to the second container, the blade is already in place to cut the base. The connection action itself triggers the opening through the relative movement between chamber and adapter, eliminating the need for separate opening mechanisms while ensuring controlled mixing.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses the inherent relative movement between the chamber and adapter during connection to automatically position the blade for cutting. The chamber's own movement during attachment serves to open its base, requiring no external actuation mechanism while maintaining reliability through the designed movement path.
2Reliability
If a break-open device is used to open the chamber base, then the mixing can be controlled, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The complex break-open device is replaced by extracting only the essential function: a simple blade element that cuts the base. The blade is integrated into the adapter structure, eliminating the need for separate breaking mechanisms, springs, or complex actuating devices while maintaining controlled opening through the natural relative movement during connection.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of using a device to actively break the base, the solution inverts the approach: the base is designed to be cut by a simple blade through relative movement. The chamber base includes a predetermined breaking point that is easily severed by the blade, reversing the conventional approach of using complex mechanical breakers.
3Ease of operation
If the chamber and adapter are detachably connected, then assembly and disassembly is easier, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The chamber and adapter are non-detachably connected through an integral design where the chamber is received by the adapter in a fixed position. This merging of components eliminates the need for separate detachable connection mechanisms such as threads, clips, or latches, reducing part count and manufacturing complexity while maintaining ease of assembly through a simple receive-and-fix structure.
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
Enables reliable, cost-effective, and controlled mixing of components, allowing for the mixing of solids, liquids, or pastes, with the option for one-time use or recyclable materials, preventing accidental release of the mixture component and ensuring secure attachment to a second container.
Implementation Method 1
the blade being designed to cut through the base of the chamber along its edge upon rotation of the chamber
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a container and to the use thereof. The container has a chamber with a base for receiving a mixture component and an adapter for fixing the chamber to a second container. The adapter is connected to the chamber via a first connector and has a second connector to connect to the second container. Additionally, the adapter forms a flow channel for the mixture component extending between the first and the second connector. The adapter also has a blade element in the flow channel comprising a blade facing the base of the chamber in order to open the base. The first connector allows the chamber to rotate relative to the adapter and to the blade, said blade designed to cut through the base of the chamber along the edge of the base while the chamber rotates.