Transparent Collar Cap Stand for Viscous Food Dispenser

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Solution Overview

Problem

Bottom opening food dispensers lack control over the discharge of viscous food products due to the obstructed view of the spout caused by the cap stand's large collar dimensions, leading to uncontrolled release when squeezed.

Innovation Solution

A food dispenser design featuring a cap stand with a transparent collar and hinge mechanism that allows the cap to switch between closed and open positions, providing a stable support and clear visibility of the spout for controlled dispensing, along with a non-transparent spout member and a shield to prevent drips.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Stability of the object's composition

If the collar of the cap stand has considerable cross dimensions to provide stable support, then the stability of the dispenser is improved, but the visibility of the spout is hampered

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestability of dispenserVSAvoidvisibility of spout
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSLoss of information

Solution Approach 1:

The collar is made transparent in the region where it would otherwise obstruct the view of the spout, while maintaining its structural dimensions for stability. This allows different parts of the collar to have different optical properties - transparent where visibility is needed, and potentially opaque elsewhere for structural integrity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The collar material is changed from opaque to transparent, fundamentally altering its optical properties. This transparency change allows light to pass through the collar material, enabling the user to see the spout and control the discharge of food product while the collar maintains its stabilizing function.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #32Color changes

2Ease of operation

If the collar is made transparent to improve visibility of the spout, then the control over discharge is improved, but the structural stability may be compromised

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecontrol over dischargeVSAvoidstability of dispenser
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The transparency is applied specifically to the collar portion that obstructs the view, while maintaining adequate collar dimensions for stability. The cap stand is designed with sufficient cross dimensions to provide stable support even with transparent material.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The collar is made from transparent material that combines optical transparency with sufficient mechanical strength to maintain structural stability. The material properties are selected to balance visibility requirements with structural support requirements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

3Stability of the object's composition

If the cap stand is designed with large cross dimensions for stable support, then the stability is improved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestability of dispenserVSAvoidcomplexity of cap stand
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The cap stand structure serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides stable support through its cross dimensions, enables visibility of the spout through transparency, and allows for the hinged cap mechanism to function. The hinge connection between cap and collar integrates closure function with the stabilizing structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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

Enables better control over the discharge of viscous food products, allowing for precise squeezing and maintaining the dispenser's stability in an inverted position, preventing unwanted drips and ensuring easy cleaning.

Implementation Method 1

a hinge that connects said cap to said collar

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectHinge mechanism: Hinge

Implementation Method 2

the contents of the bottom opening dispenser are held near the discharge opening under the influence of gravity

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectGravity: Gravitation

Implementation Method 3

at least a part of said collar is transparent so that a user can observe said discharge of fluid food product from the spout

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLight transmission: Light

Data Source

PatentEP2621827B1Food dispenser
Publication Date: 2016.05.11 UNILEVER NV
  • EP2621827B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP2621827B1 patent drawingFigure 3
  • EP2621827B1 patent drawingFigure 4~5

AI summary

A food dispenser comprises a flexible container (1) with a spout member (4) at the bottom end thereof. The bottom end of the container is supported by means of a cap stand (6) which surrounds the spout member. The cap stand has a cap (8) for closing or opening the dispenser in view of discharging a fluid food product. Because the cap stand has a collar (7) which is at least partly transparent, the spout member as well as the discharge of the food product from the spout member can be readily observed by the consumer. Thereby, the consumer may control the dosing of the food product from the dispenser in a better way.