Combination Condiment Shaker
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional condiment dispensers lack a cost-effective and aesthetically pleasing design that can efficiently crush and dispense a variety of seasonings, such as crackers and chips, while also being multi-functionally configurable.
Innovation Solution
A squeezable condiment shaker with a removable lid featuring a plurality of orifices for dispensing crushed seasonings, made from flexible materials like silicone or composite materials, allowing for the crushing and dispersal of various edible grains like Cheetos, chips, and crackers.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If a conventional condiment shaker design is used, then the design is simple and cost-effective, but it lacks aesthetic appeal and multi-functional configurability
Solution Approach 1:
The shaker body is designed to perform multiple functions: it can hold and dispense liquid condiments through the lid orifices, crush solid seasonings like crackers and chips using the bottom surface, and be configured with different lid types (screw-on, snap-fit, magnetic) for various dispensing needs. This multi-functional design resolves the contradiction by enabling a single simple structure to serve multiple purposes.
Solution Approach 2:
The condiment shaker is divided into separable components: a reusable shaker body and a removable lid. The lid can be detached and replaced with different lid types or removed entirely for crushing mode, allowing the system to adapt to different functions while keeping the main body simple and cost-effective to manufacture.
2Ease of manufacture
If a conventional condiment shaker design is used, then the manufacturing cost is low, but the aesthetic appearance is plain
Solution Approach 1:
The shaker body features localized aesthetic enhancements such as textured surfaces, colored bands, or decorative patterns on specific portions (like the upper body or lid) while keeping the basic structure simple. This allows aesthetic appeal to be added to specific local areas without significantly increasing overall manufacturing complexity or cost.
3Ease of operation
If the body member is made of squeezable material for crushing seasonings, then the crushing function is improved, but the structural strength may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The shaker body is constructed from flexible materials like silicone rubber or elastomeric plastics that can be squeezed to crush seasonings. These materials provide sufficient structural strength to contain the condiments and withstand normal handling while allowing controlled deformation during the crushing operation, thus resolving the contradiction between flexibility for crushing and strength for containment.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The solution provides a durable, cost-effective, and aesthetically appealing condiment dispenser that can efficiently crush and distribute seasonings, enhancing food flavor with a versatile design that can be configured for multiple uses.
Implementation Method 1
The body member is made of a squeezable material and defines an interior space for holding the seasonings to be crushed and dispensed
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention comprises a condiment shaker/crusher for crushing, holding and dispensing seasonings to add taste to edible food. The condiment shaker comprises a body member having an opening. The body member is made of a squeezable material and defines an interior space for holding the seasonings to be crushed and dispensed. A top is removably engaged about the opening of the body member.