Butter Dispensing Package Compression for Hygienic Portion Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for dispensing margarine or butter are unhygienic and inefficient, with open packets being visually unattractive and generating waste, while automatic devices require complex cleaning and manual filling processes.
Innovation Solution
A device and system that uses a ready-made package of margarine or butter, where the only parts in contact with the product are the dispensing opening and cutting means, allowing for hygienic dispensing without the need to detach and clean multiple components, and enables easy switching between substances with optimal portion control.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If open packets are used for dispensing margarine or butter, then the dispensing process is simple, but the visual appeal decreases and hygiene conditions worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The device divides the dispensing system into separate functional components: a removable package holder, a fixed dispensing mechanism with cutting means, and a pressing mechanism. The package is segmented from the dispensing apparatus, allowing the package to be easily replaced while the hygienic dispensing components remain in place.
Solution Approach 2:
The package is extracted as a separate, removable component that can be easily detached and replaced. Only the essential dispensing components (dispensing opening and cutting means) remain in the device, eliminating the need to clean multiple parts while maintaining hygiene.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If pre-packet portions are provided, then hygiene conditions improve, but environmental waste increases
Solution Approach 1:
The device enables complete utilization of the package contents by pressing mechanisms that extract all product until the package is empty. The package is then discarded as a single unit, minimizing waste compared to traditional methods where significant product remains in the package.
3Measurement precision
If automatic dispensing devices are used, then dispensing precision improves, but device complexity and cleaning requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The package and package holder are extracted as a separate removable unit, leaving only the essential dispensing mechanism (dispensing opening and cutting means) in the device. This reduces the number of parts requiring cleaning and reassembly while maintaining automatic dispensing functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The pressing mechanism automatically compresses the package to dispense the product, eliminating the need for manual intervention in the dispensing process. The cutting means automatically portions the product as it exits the dispensing opening.
4Adaptability or versatility
If manual filling of containers is done, then flexibility in substance change is maintained, but time consumption and hygiene issues increase
Solution Approach 1:
The packages are pre-filled and sealed during manufacturing with the exact substance and quantity needed. This preliminary action eliminates the need for time-consuming manual filling operations while maintaining the ability to switch between different substances by simply replacing the pre-filled packages.
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 system simplifies and hygienically dispenses margarine or butter in small portions, reducing waste and operational time, while maintaining product quality by using a self-contained package that is compressed from its outer surface, eliminating the need for manual filling and complex cleaning.
Implementation Method 1
compressing the package by means of the pressing means of the device
Data Source
AI summary
A device, a system and a method for dispensing butter, margarine or other bread spreads in small portions. The device includes a housing, components for arranging a package in a removable manner inside the housing, a dispensing opening, and a device located at the dispensing opening for stopping the flow of dispensed material. The device further includes pressing components between or through which the package is arranged to travel in order to press against the package's outer surface, and a rotable axle shaft adapted to receive a second end of the package and to move the package between or through the pressing components. A first end of the package is arranged in connection with the dispensing opening.