Shaker Cup Pod Holder Assembly for On-Demand Powder Mixing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing protein shake mixing methods are inconvenient as they require utensils for measurement and mixing, often resulting in lumps, and do not allow users to choose when to mix the powder with liquid, limiting flexibility in consumption.
Innovation Solution
A shaker cup with a container cap assembly that includes a pod holder, screen, and lid, allowing users to store a mix within the cup and choose when to dispense it into the liquid without disassembling the cup, enabling fluid communication for drinking unmixed liquid and blending when desired.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a shaker cup is used to mix protein powder with liquid, then mixing convenience is improved and utensils are eliminated, but the user loses the option to drink unmixed liquid
Solution Approach 1:
The mixing system is segmented into separate functional components: a removable pod containing the powder, a screen for filtration, and a lid with spout. This segmentation allows the user to selectively engage the mixing function by inserting the pod, while maintaining the ability to drink unmixed liquid when the pod is removed or not engaged.
Solution Approach 2:
The system transitions from a static mixing cup to a dynamic system where the pod can be inserted or removed, and the screen can be positioned to either allow or prevent mixing. This dynamic configuration enables the user to adapt the system's behavior based on whether they want to mix or drink unmixed liquid.
2Ease of operation
If protein powder is added to a cup for mixing, then protein supplementation is achieved, but measurement precision and mixing uniformity deteriorate due to lack of proper utensils
Solution Approach 1:
The correct amount of powder is pre-measured and sealed in a pod before use. This preliminary action eliminates the need for the user to perform measurement, ensuring precise dosing while maintaining operational simplicity. The pod is designed to contain a specific volume or weight of powder, guaranteeing consistent measurement.
Solution Approach 2:
The screen acts as an intermediary between the powder and the liquid. It controls the flow of powder into the liquid, preventing clumping and ensuring uniform mixing. The screen's mesh structure filters and distributes the powder evenly as it enters the liquid, improving mixing precision without requiring complex measuring utensils.
3Adaptability or versatility
If a shaker cup with built-in mixing mechanism is used, then mixing function is integrated, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The mixing mechanism is segmented into removable, simple components rather than a single complex integrated structure. The pod, screen, and lid are separate elements that work together but can be independently cleaned, replaced, or removed, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining the integrated mixing function.
Data Source
AI summary
A shaker cup is provided that allows a user choose when to blend a mix, within a pod, with a liquid. The shaker cup includes a lid which has a spout. The shaker cup includes a container which has a reservoir, which is able to hold a liquid. The shaker cup may have a pod placed within, which is sized and shaped to allow the liquid to flow from the reservoir around the pod, and through the spout. The shaker cup also includes a pod holder which has a pod holder mechanism that, in a first position, allows the pod holder to selectively retain the pod or, in a second position, release the pod. The pod holder further includes an actuating mechanism for selectively allowing the pod holder to move between its first and second positions. The container is able to selectively engage with the lid.