Auger Product Dispensing Device Bulk Loading

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing product dispensing systems require manual loading of products one-by-one, are not adaptable to varying shapes and sizes, and often cause damage due to pinch points, increasing costs and inefficiency.

Innovation Solution

A product dispensing device with a bulk hopper and multiple augers that allow for bulk loading of products of any orientation, size, or shape, using a combination of bulk and delivery augers to efficiently dispense products individually, reducing the need for manual loading and minimizing product damage.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If products are loaded manually one-by-one into conventional dispensing systems, then the dispensing mechanism can handle products of known size and shape, but the loading process becomes costly and time-consuming

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveloading speedVSAvoiddispensing mechanism complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The auger is divided into multiple sections: a bulk auger for receiving and transferring products in bulk, and a delivery auger for individual product dispensing. This segmentation allows bulk loading while maintaining controlled individual dispensing capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The bulk auger acts as an intermediary between the hopper and the delivery auger, enabling bulk product transfer without requiring individual manual loading. It decouples the loading process from the dispensing process.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Adaptability or versatility

If conventional dispensing systems are used, then the mechanism is designed for specific product sizes and shapes, but it cannot adapt to varying shapes and sizes of products

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveproduct size and shape adaptabilityVSAvoidproduct damage risk

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The bulk auger with its open-ended barrel and flighting structure can accommodate products of varying sizes and shapes. The design allows the same mechanism to handle different product types without requiring specialized components for each product dimension.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

Instead of designing the auger to grip products from the outside, the invention uses an inverted approach where the flighting pushes products along the auger axis, reducing contact points and minimizing damage risk for fragile or irregularly shaped products.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

3Ease of operation

If products are dispensed through conventional systems with pinch points, then the dispensing action is controlled, but significant damage occurs to the products

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedispensing controlVSAvoidproduct damage

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The invention removes the harmful pinch points from the dispensing mechanism by using a push-based delivery system. The delivery auger pushes products gently along a controlled path to the dispensing location, eliminating the crushing and damaging pinch points present in conventional toggle or claw-based dispensing mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

4Extent of automation

If automated dispensing systems are implemented, then manual loading costs are reduced, but the system becomes more complex

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveloading automationVSAvoidsystem structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Extent of automationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The bulk auger and delivery auger are combined into a single integrated assembly that handles both bulk transfer and individual dispensing functions. This merging reduces the number of separate components and simplifies the overall system structure while maintaining automation capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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 efficient and cost-effective bulk loading and dispensing of products, reducing the time and effort required for loading and minimizing product damage, with a high efficiency rate of over 90% in product distribution.

Implementation Method 1

at least one auger having first and second open ends and being coupled to the frame and rotatable thereon

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMechanical motion:

Data Source

PatentUS10672217B2Product dispensing device

Publication Date: 2020.06.02 FREEOSK INC

AI summary

A system, device and method for dispensing a product includes a delivery system that includes at least one auger with internal flighting that is either integral with or attached to an internal wall of a barrel portion of the auger. The auger rotates and the spiral flighting within the auger transmits a product from a bulk loading station to a product dispensation area. Thus, products can be bulk loaded into a device rather than having to be loaded one-by-one into a dispensing device. The spiral flighting reduces pinch points associated with conventional auger systems.