Vacuum-Insulated Dual-Compartment Container for Selective Dispensing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional vacuum insulated containers fail to maintain two distinct fluids at separate temperatures and do not allow independent dispensing of these fluids, as opening one compartment causes the other to remain closed.
Innovation Solution
A vacuum insulated container with two segregated compartments separated by vacuum insulation and a cap featuring two independent tabs that can be opened and closed separately, allowing selective access to each fluid.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a conventional vacuum insulated container is used to store multiple beverages, then thermal insulation is provided, but the container cannot maintain two distinct fluids at separate temperatures or allow independent dispensing
Solution Approach 1:
The container is divided into two separate compartments (first and second compartments) that are thermally isolated from each other by vacuum insulation. Each compartment can independently store a different beverage at its desired temperature, and each has its own tab for independent opening and dispensing. This segmentation allows the container to handle multiple beverages independently while maintaining thermal separation.
2Ease of operation
If the cap allows both tabs to be opened simultaneously, then both fluids can be accessed, but spillage occurs due to loss of cushioning and stability
Solution Approach 1:
The locking member is designed to prevent both tabs from being opened simultaneously by creating a mechanical interlock. When one tab is opened, the locking member engages with the other tab to prevent it from opening. This preliminary anti-action counteracts the potential harm of simultaneous opening (spillage and safety hazards) before it can occur, allowing easy access to one fluid while preventing the harmful effect of both fluids being accessed at once.
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 the independent dispensing of hot and cold fluids while maintaining their respective temperatures, preventing spillage and enhancing safety by ensuring only one tab can be opened at a time.
Implementation Method 1
The barriers are separated by a space, wherein the space between the barriers is substantially evacuated to provide vacuum insulation
Implementation Method 2
Vacuum insulated container for storing and selectively dispensing two fluids of different temperatures
Data Source
AI summary
A vacuum insulated container for storing and selectively dispensing two fluids of different temperatures serves to insulate and selectively dispense two segregated fluids having different temperatures from the container. The vacuum insulated container provides a body that is bifurcated into two compartments separated by vacuum insulated walls. The first compartment contains a fluid of a first temperature, and the second compartment contains a fluid of a second temperature. The vacuum insulated container further provides a cap having two tabs that selectively open and close independently of each other, so that only one tab can be opened to access the desired fluid. Sliding the first tab to the open position releases a tensioned locking member to lock the second tab in the closed position, and displacing the second tab to the open position releases the tensioned locking member to lock the first tab in the closed position.