Adjustable Measuring Bar for Semi-Solid Food Dispensing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing food storage and measuring devices for semi-solid substances are limited in capacity, prone to tipping, require frequent cleaning, and lack efficient dispensing and storage capabilities, leading to material wastage and inaccuracy in measurement.
Innovation Solution
A circular cylindrical container with a resealable lid and a transparent sleeve, equipped with an adjustable graduated measuring bar, allows for storing and dispensing semi-solid materials with minimal air space, enabling multiple dispensings without refilling, and facilitating easy cleaning.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a standard measuring cup is used to measure semi-solid ingredients, then the measuring process is simple, but material wastage occurs and cleaning is difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the storage container and measuring device into a single integrated unit. The storage container includes an inner container for storing semi-solid ingredients and an outer container with a dispensing mechanism, eliminating the need for separate measuring cups and reducing material wastage.
Solution Approach 2:
The dispensing mechanism allows the user to directly dispense measured amounts of ingredient from the storage container without transferring to separate measuring tools. The mechanism includes a dispensing opening and control structure that enables self-contained measuring and dispensing operations.
2Volume of stationary object
If a telescopic container with lid is used, then storage capacity is improved, but measuring capability is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a multi-functional device where the same structure serves both storage and measuring functions. The outer container acts as both storage vessel and measuring device, with graduated markings on the outer container wall indicating measurement levels for different ingredient quantities.
Solution Approach 2:
The storage and measuring functions are merged into a single integrated structure. The inner container stores ingredients while the outer container provides both structural support and measurement reference, eliminating the need for separate measuring tools.
3Ease of operation
If a tubular body with plunger is used, then dispensing capability is improved, but storage capability is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a nested structure where the inner container is placed inside the outer container. The inner container can be removed and repositioned within the outer container, allowing the system to provide both storage (when inner container is in place) and dispensing (when inner container is removed and repositioned) functions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces dynamic repositioning of the inner container within the outer container. The inner container can be moved between different positions (fully inserted for storage, partially removed for dispensing, completely removed for cleaning), enabling the system to adapt between storage and dispensing modes.
4Measurement precision
If a measuring device with fixed volume is used, then measurement precision is improved, but adaptability is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates adjustable measuring markings on the outer container that can be repositioned along the height of the container. This allows the same container to measure different volumes of ingredients by adjusting the position of measuring references, providing both precision and adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
The measuring function is segmented into multiple adjustable reference points on the outer container. Instead of a single fixed volume measurement, the container provides multiple measurable levels that can be selected based on the required ingredient quantity, enabling precise measurement of various volumes.
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention provides an adjustable height apparatus for storing, measuring and dispensing a desired quantity of semi-solid food, the apparatus being assembled on a piston base with peripheral contact inside a rigid circular sleeve configured for storing at least 600 cubic centimeters of a semi-solid food substance above the piston base inside the rigid circular cylinder. Preferably, the rigid circular sleeve is transparent. After filling, the apparatus is configured to enable pushing a measured food material out the top of the cylinder. A graduated bar is slidingly engaged in the outer surface of the circular sleeve such that markings on it can be aligned with the top of the piston base. Pushing down on the circular sleeve enables the desired quantity only to be above the top rim of the cylinder.