Condiment Dispenser With Segmented Spout and Spring-Loaded Loader Doors

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing condiment dispensers do not utilize refill packets and are not designed to handle viscous fluids like ketchup, nor can they dispense multiple condiments simultaneously.

Innovation Solution

A multiple compartment condiment dispenser with integrated packet compartments and a spout featuring multiple channels, where refill packets are loaded through spring-loaded loader doors that rotate and lock, allowing for individual or simultaneous dispensing of condiments via a squeezing action.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a condiment dispenser uses traditional fixed chambers, then it can maintain structural simplicity, but it cannot accommodate refill packets or dispense multiple condiments simultaneously

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveAbility to use refill packets and dispense multiple condimentsVSAvoidStructure complexity with multiple packet compartments and loader doors

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The dispenser is divided into multiple independent packet compartments, each capable of holding and dispensing a different condiment refill packet. This segmentation allows the system to handle multiple condiments simultaneously while maintaining modular simplicity in each compartment's design.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Each packet compartment is designed with universal functionality to accommodate standard refill packets and dispense through a common spout system. The loader door mechanism serves multiple purposes: sealing the packet, enabling dispensing through squeezing, and locking to secure the packet in place.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Ease of operation

If the loader door is designed to open outwardly for easy packet insertion, then ease of operation is improved, but the risk of accidental opening and leakage increases

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveEase of inserting refill packetsVSAvoidRisk of accidental opening and condiment leakage

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The spring-loaded mechanism is pre-tensioned to automatically engage and lock the loader door in the closed position after insertion. This preliminary locking action prevents accidental opening before the user intentionally actuates the dispensing function.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The spring-loaded lock mechanism automatically secures the loader door without requiring separate manual locking actions. The system self-regulates by using the insertion motion itself to compress the spring and engage the lock, reducing the need for additional user steps while maintaining reliability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

3Productivity

If the spout includes multiple channels for simultaneous dispensing, then productivity is improved, but the risk of cross-contamination between condiments increases

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveAbility to dispense multiple condiments simultaneouslyVSAvoidCross-contamination between different condiments

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The spout is segmented into multiple independent channels, each dedicated to a specific packet compartment. This physical separation ensures that condiments from different compartments cannot mix or cross-contaminate, while still allowing simultaneous dispensing through the unified spout structure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Each channel in the spout is designed with local quality specific to its associated compartment, creating dedicated flow paths that prevent interaction between different condiments. The internal geometry of each channel is optimized for its specific condiment type while maintaining isolation from other channels.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

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 flexible dispensing of multiple condiments, including viscous fluids, by using refill packets that can be easily loaded and unloaded, allowing for individual or simultaneous dispensing through a single spout with multiple channels.

Implementation Method 1

The loader doors can thereafter rotate inwardly in order to squeeze the refill packet thereby dispensing the respective condiment from the spout

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentUS8757438B1Multiple compartmented and condiment dispensing apparatus

Publication Date: 2014.06.24 GARCIA HECTOR

AI summary

The multiple compartmented and condiment dispensing apparatus includes a housing into which a plurality of packet compartments are arranged. The packet compartments open to enable a refill packet to be inserted and loaded for use in dispensing a condiment therefrom. The packet compartments are each in fluid communication with a spout provided on a distal end of the housing. The spout includes a plurality of channels that each connects via ductwork to the packet compartments where the refill packets connect. The refill packets dispense a condiment through the respective ductwork and out a channel of the spout. Each packet compartment includes a loader door that is pivotally engaged with respect to the housing, and which can open outwardly to enable the refill packets to be inserted and removed from the respective packet compartment.