Automated Condiment Packet Dispenser for Hygienic Single-Packet Dispensing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional condiment dispensing methods in restaurants are unsanitary, lead to condiment wastage, and lack effective inventory control, as customers manually handle packets, resulting in contamination, excessive consumption, and inefficient refilling processes.
Innovation Solution
An automated condiment dispenser with cylindrical storage containers and push-button operation that allows customers to select and dispense individual packets of various condiments, improving hygiene and inventory management by using a motor and control board to align and drop packets through a chute, with easy refilling and stainless steel construction for sanitation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If condiment packets are placed in open trays for customer access, then customers can easily obtain condiments, but the packets become contaminated with bacteria and germs from customer contact
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an automated dispensing machine as an intermediary between the condiment packets and customers. The machine dispenses sealed packets through a controlled mechanism, preventing direct customer contact with the packets and eliminating bacterial contamination while maintaining ease of access.
Solution Approach 2:
The automated dispensing system allows customers to serve themselves by selecting condiments through a user interface, with the machine automatically dispensing the requested packets. This eliminates the need for staff intervention while maintaining sanitation through automated packet delivery.
2Quantity of substance
If customers are allowed to take multiple condiment packets, then they can have enough for the meal, but they waste condiments by taking too many or bringing extras home
Solution Approach 1:
The dispensing machine incorporates a tracking system that monitors packet distribution and provides feedback to both customers (through interface messages) and restaurant management (through usage data). This feedback mechanism encourages appropriate consumption and enables management to optimize condiment supply, reducing wastage.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the manual tray-based mechanical system with an automated dispensing system that uses electronic control and tracking. This substitution enables precise control over packet distribution, preventing over-taking by customers and reducing wastage through systematic dispensing.
3Ease of manufacture
If condiment trays are refilled manually from storage bins, then the process is simple, but there is no exact accounting for condiment usage by management
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual refilling operations with an automated dispensing system that electronically tracks every packet dispensed. The system maintains a digital inventory database that automatically updates usage data, providing management with precise accounting information while simplifying the refilling process through automated replenishment alerts.
Solution Approach 2:
The automated dispensing machine acts as an intermediary that bridges the storage bin and the customer distribution point. It systematically manages the flow of condiments from storage to customers, automatically tracking usage data and generating inventory reports, thereby eliminating the information loss associated with manual refilling.
4Ease of operation
If open condiment trays are used, then refilling is straightforward when empty, but the system does not prevent customers from grabbing excessive packets
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the passive open tray system with an active automated dispensing system that controls packet distribution through electronic mechanisms. The system maintains ease of operation through user-friendly interfaces while preventing excessive taking by limiting each customer to one packet per selection, thereby improving productivity control.
Data Source
AI summary
A condiment packet dispenser that includes a cylindrical shaped housing containing an open top with a plurality of radially partitioned chambers. Each chamber contains a cylindrical shaped container that stores individual condiment packets in a radial manner. The dispenser is operated by pushing a button which sends a signal to a motor control board. The motor control board powers a motor having a spur gear which turns the selected condiment container until the condiment packet is aligned with a drop chute. The packet then falls thru the drop chute and is available for picking up by the customer. There is also a cylindrical shaped top lid which is removable when new condiments need to be loaded to replenish the dispenser. The condiment dispenser sits on top of a base stand that may either be rigidly mounted or may be rotated to choose a condiment.