Choke device and an assembly to supply a granular or powder product provided with the choke device, in particular for an automatic beverage vending machine
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Solution Overview
Problem
Automatic beverage vending machines face inefficiencies and reliability issues due to humid vapors penetrating the feed ducts, leading to variable product dosage and degradation of chemical-physical and organoleptic characteristics of granular or powder products.
Innovation Solution
A choke device with an elastically deformable intermediate portion that can be rotated to fluidically isolate the feed duct from external vapors, using a motorized actuator to deform and choke the duct, preventing vapor entry and maintaining a dry environment within the duct.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the discharge section of the duct is exposed to the environment, then the product can be dispensed, but humid vapors penetrate into the duct and progressively reduce the passage section, creating resistances to feeding
Solution Approach 1:
The choke device is activated before product dispensing to pre-isolate the duct interior from humid vapors. The elastically deformable intermediate portion is deformed to close the passage section, creating a vapor barrier before any vapor penetration can occur, thus preventing the progressive resistance buildup that would affect dosage constancy
Solution Approach 2:
The elastically deformable intermediate portion acts as a movable intermediary element between the product flow path and the external environment. This flexible seal can dynamically adjust to close the passage when isolation is needed, while allowing product flow when the duct is in its initial open state, thus mediating between the need for product dispensing and vapor protection
2Object-affected harmful factors
If external closure plates or plugs are used to close the outlet opening, then vapor penetration is prevented, but the device becomes complicated and expensive
Solution Approach 1:
The closure mechanism is made dynamic through the elastically deformable intermediate portion that can change its configuration between open and closed states. This flexible, movable seal replaces static external plates or plugs with an integrated, actuation-driven system that adapts its position based on operational requirements, reducing overall device complexity while maintaining effective vapor prevention
Solution Approach 2:
The choke device is nested within the existing duct structure, with the elastically deformable intermediate portion integrated into the duct wall. The closure mechanism is contained within the duct itself rather than requiring external components, allowing the sealing element to be housed within the existing structural envelope and reducing additional complexity
3Strength
If the intermediate portion is made rigid, then structural strength is maintained, but the choke device cannot be deformed to isolate the duct
Solution Approach 1:
The intermediate portion is constructed from flexible materials such as elastomers or thermoplastics that provide sufficient structural strength to maintain duct integrity while allowing controlled deformation. This flexible construction enables the choke device to be actuated into closed positions for vapor isolation, while the material properties ensure the duct maintains its structural strength and shape
Solution Approach 2:
The intermediate portion utilizes composite material structures combining rigid and flexible components, or materials with viscoelastic properties that provide both strength and deformability. This composite approach allows the seal to be strong enough to maintain duct structural integrity while remaining sufficiently flexible to be actuated by the choke device for vapor isolation
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 ensures consistent product dosage and preservation of organoleptic qualities by preventing vapor penetration, reducing maintenance needs, and maintaining duct integrity, thus enhancing the operational efficiency and reliability of the vending machine.
Implementation Method 1
a feed duct (18) for feeding a product into a container (12), the feed duct (18) having an elastically deformable intermediate portion (31)
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
In an automatic beverage vending machine (1), a feed assembly (18) for feeding a granular or powder product has a feed duct (22) for feeding the granular or powder product and a choke device (33) configured to receive and choke at least partially an elastically deformable discharge section (25) of the feed duct (22); the choke device (33) comprising a fixed attachment frame (34), a choke member (36) and a motorized movement assembly (44) for moving the choke member (36) between a support position, in which it maintains the discharge section (25) in a product feed condition, and an overturned position, in which it elastically deforms and chokes at least partially the discharge section (25).