Sealed Beverage Stirrer Package for Controlled Liquid Dispensing
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing methods for extracting fruit juice are messy, wasteful, and unpredictable, and the supply of fresh fruits is seasonal, leading to fluctuations in availability and price. Additionally, there is a need for a convenient way to add flavor or supplements to beverages.
Innovation Solution
A sealed package comprising two fluid-tight films with grippable tabs at each end, allowing controlled dispensing of a predetermined amount of liquid, which can be used as a stirrer for beverages, with the films being made from food-grade materials to ensure safety and structural integrity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If fruit is sliced or cut for juice extraction, then juice can be obtained, but wastage occurs if slices are not used within an acceptable timeframe
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-extracting and sealing fruit juice in sterile containers before use. The juice is extracted, pasteurized, and sealed in advance, eliminating the need to prepare fresh fruit slices at the point of use and preventing wastage from unused slices.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses disposable sterile containers that are sealed and discarded after use. Each container is a single-use unit that prevents contamination and eliminates the need to store or dispose of leftover fruit slices, addressing the wastage problem.
2Quantity of substance
If fruit slices are squeezed for juice extraction, then juice is obtained, but residue is left on fingers and the direction of juice flow is not predictable
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies self-service by designing a container with a self-regulating flow mechanism. The container uses capillary action and gravity to automatically control juice flow rate and direction, eliminating the need for manual squeezing and providing predictable, controlled dispensing without residue on fingers.
3Quantity of substance
If fruit supply depends on seasonal production, then fresh fruit is available, but supply fluctuates leading to wastage in good seasons and shortages in poor seasons
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by harvesting, processing, and sealing fruit juice in advance during good production seasons. The pre-prepared sterile containers allow the product to be available year-round, decoupling supply from seasonal fluctuations and ensuring consistent availability regardless of current harvest conditions.
4Ease of operation
If a sealed package is opened for liquid dispensing, then liquid can flow out, but the package may open beyond a predetermined amount
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by creating regions of different seal strengths in the packaging. The seal has a first region that breaks at a predetermined force to allow controlled opening, and a second stronger region that maintains the seal for the remainder of the package, enabling precise control over the opening point while maintaining overall package integrity.
Data Source
AI summary
There is provided a pack (10) in the form of a stirrer for a hot or cold beverage. The stirrer comprises first and second films (13, 14) sealingly connected around a periphery to enclose a volume in which is disposed a liquid. The liquid is conveniently disposed in an elongate channel (15) formed in one of the films. Openable portions (17, 55) are provided at respective ends of the stirrer, one openable portion (17) allowing the liquid to flow out once opened and the other openable portion (55) acting as a vent. Each openable portion is opened by peeling apart the two films and has a stronger connection (52, 57) provided to limit the opening of the ends.