Rotating Lock Supplement Container with Segmented Compartments
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Solution Overview
Problem
Athletes face challenges in organizing and measuring dietary supplements, as current solutions require multiple containers for pills, powders, and liquids, leading to contamination and difficulty in maintaining a consistent supplement routine.
Innovation Solution
A multi-compartmented container with a novel locking mechanism allows for precise measurement and separation of supplements, featuring a rotatable dial with ratchet bumps and locking cap keepers to securely lock or unlock compartments, preventing accidental opening and ensuring contamination prevention.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple separate containers are used for pills, powders, and liquids, then each supplement type can be stored separately, but the complexity of organizing and carrying supplements increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple separate containers for pills, powders, and liquids into a single integrated supplement container system. The container includes multiple compartments separated by a partition wall, where each compartment can hold different supplement types. The lid assembly integrates multiple sealing elements and a locking mechanism to secure all compartments, eliminating the need to carry multiple separate containers while maintaining proper separation of supplement types.
2Ease of operation
If compartments are made easily accessible, then supplement access is convenient, but the risk of accidental opening and contamination increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a locking mechanism that must be actively unlocked before compartments can be accessed. The lid assembly includes a locking element that secures the partition wall and compartments in a closed position by default. Users must deliberately engage the unlocking mechanism to open specific compartments, ensuring that supplements remain protected from accidental opening and contamination while maintaining ease of access when intentionally opened.
3Reliability
If a locking mechanism is added to prevent accidental opening, then contamination is prevented, but the complexity of the container increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs the locking mechanism to perform multiple functions within a single integrated structure. The locking element on the lid assembly not only secures the partition wall but also seals multiple compartments simultaneously. This multi-functional approach prevents contamination through reliable locking while avoiding the need for separate locking mechanisms for each compartment, thereby minimizing overall structural complexity.
4Measurement precision
If precise measurement features are integrated into the container, then dosing accuracy is improved, but the manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the container into multiple compartments with partition walls that include integrated measurement features. Each compartment can have marked volume indicators or measuring markings molded directly into the partition wall structure. This segmentation approach allows precise measurement of supplements in each compartment while using standard molding techniques, avoiding complex assembly steps and keeping manufacturing relatively simple.
Data Source
AI summary
Described is a multi-part device for keeping consumables such as dietary supplements in separate, non-contaminatable, individually accessible container compartments. The device of the invention can also be used for storage of other items, as well. The top of the device is removable, has several interconnected lids that are attached and retained to the container portion of the device by a rotable cap, the position of which selects which lid, if any, can be opened by a user. The compartment lids separate the contents stored in the various compartments so as to keep the contents of each compartment from being contaminated by items or materials placed in other compartments or from the environment. The safe can be locked shut by rotating the cap to predetermined positions.