Spoon-Shaped Cap Closure for Feeding and Child-Resistant Dosing
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
There is a lack of convenient and safe methods for transporting and dispensing food or medicine, particularly during travel, where caregivers often face challenges in feeding infants without suitable feeding implements and measuring the correct dosage.
Innovation Solution
A cap system for containers that includes a hingedly coupled closure with snap-fit elements and security features, allowing for controlled dispensing and measurement of substances, featuring a convex and concave surface design for sealing and a child-resistant mechanism to prevent accidental access.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a traditional cap is used for transporting and dispensing substances, then the container can be sealed, but the caregiver lacks a convenient feeding implement and measurement means
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the cap closure and a spoon-shaped measuring implement into a single integrated device. The closure element serves dual purposes: sealing the container opening and functioning as a measuring spoon with marked volume indicators. This merging eliminates the need for separate feeding implements and measurement tools, directly resolving the contradiction by providing multiple functions within one component.
Solution Approach 2:
The closure element is designed to perform multiple functions: it seals the container opening when closed, serves as a measuring spoon with volume markings for dosing, and can be used for dispensing substances. This multi-functionality approach allows the single component to replace traditional separate items (cap, spoon, measuring device), improving ease of operation without requiring multiple separate devices.
2Ease of operation
If the closure is made accessible for easy opening, then feeding is convenient, but children may access and operate it accidentally
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates a child-resistant feature where the closure requires a specific twisting motion or force to open, preventing accidental opening by children. The design includes a threaded engagement or snap-fit mechanism that is difficult for children to manipulate but can be opened by adults with proper technique. This preliminary anti-action approach built into the closure mechanism addresses the contradiction by preventing harmful access while maintaining adult accessibility.
Data Source
Figure 1A
Figure 1B
Figure 1C
AI summary
A cap for use with a container may include a body having an opening extending there through. The opening may include a product pathway extending from an upper surface of the body, a flow restrictor, and a coupling mechanism configured to removably couple the body to the container. The cap may also include a closure coupled to the body. The closure may selectively cover the opening and include a spoon shape having a concave surface. The body may further include a stop to limit rotation of the closure relative to the body. The body and/or a container configured for use with the body may further include a child lock feature.