Gravity-Fed Bulk Dispenser With Rotating Chute to Prevent Jamming
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing bulk product dispensing systems are difficult to use, often requiring two-handed operation, leading to product wastage and safety hazards, especially for the elderly and physically impaired, and can jam due to mechanical agitation mechanisms.
Innovation Solution
A dispensing apparatus with a non-rotating containing and dispensing mechanism featuring a chute that rotates to dispense products, automatically returns to a closed position, and includes an adjustable agitating means and extendable design for safe and convenient refilling.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If mechanical agitation mechanisms are used to dispense bulk products, then dispensing reliability is improved, but device complexity increases and jamming problems occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs vibration mechanisms to agitate bulk products within the container, creating vibrational forces that promote product flow and prevent jamming. The vibration element shakes the product mass, ensuring consistent dispensing without requiring complex mechanical agitation systems with moving parts that could fail.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical agitation systems (with moving parts, gears, and linkages) with a vibration-based system. This substitution eliminates complex mechanical components that are prone to jamming and failure, while still achieving the desired product flow through controlled vibrations.
2Productivity
If bulk dispensing apparatus are located in an elevated manner to allow gravity to assist dispensing, then dispensing efficiency is improved, but safety hazards and access difficulties increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent positions the dispensing apparatus at an ergonomically appropriate height, eliminating the need for users to use ladders or extendable arms. The container support structure provides stable support at a height that is safe and accessible, maintaining gravity-assisted dispensing while removing safety hazards associated with elevated positioning.
3Ease of operation
If a rotating chute mechanism is used for dispensing, then ease of operation is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The dispensing system is divided into distinct functional segments: a container for holding bulk products, a support structure for positioning, and a dispensing opening. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function independently, simplifying the overall mechanism while maintaining ease of operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent removes the rotating chute mechanism entirely, extracting the complex rotational component from the system. Instead, it uses a simple dispensing opening that allows gravity to naturally guide products out, eliminating the need for rotating parts while maintaining operational simplicity.
4Reliability
If gate sealing mechanisms are combined with agitation devices, then dispensing control is improved, but maintenance costs increase due to jamming
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical gate sealing mechanisms with a vibration-based control system. The vibration element agitates products to ensure they flow smoothly past the dispensing opening, preventing jamming without requiring complex mechanical gates that need frequent maintenance and repair.
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 simplifies operation, reduces jamming, enhances gravity-fed dispensing efficiency, allows one-handed use, and facilitates easier refilling while minimizing maintenance and component complexity.
Implementation Method 1
Dispensing apparatus for gravity feeding of a dispensable product
Data Source
AI summary
A dispensing apparatus for gravity feeding of a dispensable product includes containing means and dispensing means. The containing means is adapted to contain the dispensable product and is operatively connected to the dispensing means whereby the dispensing means includes a chute means. Rotation of the chute means can cause the dispensable product to be able to be dispensed.