Confectionery Dispenser with Segmented Guide for Portion Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing confectionery dispensers lack control over the size of the portion dispensed, making it difficult to manage the quantity of confectionery pieces dispensed.
Innovation Solution
A dispenser with a container and a dispensing arrangement featuring a collection region, guide, and dispensing tray, where the dispensing member moves between closed and open positions to guide product objects from the collection region onto a dispensing surface, allowing for controlled dispensing by rotating the dispenser.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If a flip top lid dispenser is used, then the dispenser structure is simple and easy to manufacture, but control over the size of the portion dispensed is difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The internal space of the container is segmented into distinct functional regions: a collection region for accumulating product objects and a dispensing region for controlled dispensing. This segmentation allows the dispenser to maintain structural simplicity while achieving precise portion control through the guide arrangement that directs objects from the collection region to the dispensing surface.
Solution Approach 2:
A guide arrangement comprising a guide member and dispensing surface acts as an intermediary mechanism between the collection region and the external environment. This intermediary structure controls the flow of product objects, enabling precise portion dispensing without complicating the overall dispenser design. The guide member may include features such as guide walls, channels, or openings that direct objects onto the dispensing surface in a controlled manner.
2Ease of operation
If pieces of confectionery are tipped into the user's hand, then dispensing is simple, but the size of the portion dispensed cannot be controlled
Solution Approach 1:
The guide arrangement is designed to automatically control the dispensing process without requiring user intervention for portion sizing. As the container is tilted or rotated, gravity causes product objects to naturally flow from the collection region through the guide member onto the dispensing surface, where a precise portion is presented for retrieval. This self-service mechanism eliminates the need for manual portion control while maintaining dispensing simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
The collection region pre-accumulates product objects in a controlled manner before dispensing occurs. This preliminary accumulation ensures that when dispensing is initiated, a sufficient quantity of objects is already positioned and ready for controlled release through the guide arrangement, enabling consistent portion sizes without requiring active user management during the dispensing action.
3Ease of operation
If a guide arrangement with collection region and dispensing surface is implemented, then portion control is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The guide member and dispensing surface are merged into an integrated guide arrangement that performs multiple functions simultaneously: guiding objects from the collection region, controlling their flow, and presenting them on the dispensing surface. This merging reduces the number of separate components needed, thereby limiting the increase in device complexity while maintaining effective portion control capabilities.
Solution Approach 2:
The guide arrangement serves multiple functions within a single structural element: it acts as a flow channel, a positioning mechanism, and a dispensing surface support. This multi-functionality reduces the overall complexity of the dispensing mechanism by eliminating the need for separate components for each function, while still achieving precise portion control.
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 precise control over the dispensing of confectionery pieces, allowing for consistent and manageable portions to be dispensed, improving user experience and reducing waste.
Implementation Method 1
wherein the dispensing arrangement is configured such that in use in a loading orientation of the dispensing arrangement product objects collect in the collection region, and wherein during movement of the dispensing arrangement from the loading orientation to a dispensing orientation the guide member guides product objects within the collection region so as to dispense them onto the dispensing surface
Data Source
AI summary
There is disclosed a dispenser (10), such as a confectionery dispenser, for dispensing product objects such as pieces of confectionery (40). The dispenser (10) comprises a container (12) for storing product objects; and at least one dispensing arrangement (14, 16). The dispensing arrangement (14), (16) comprises an opening (18) provided in the container (12); a collection region (26) located within the container (12) and adjacent to the opening (18); a guide (32) disposed within the container (12) and adjacent to the collection region (26); and a dispensing tray (29) disposed within the container (12) and adjacent to the opening (18). The dispensing arrangement (14), (16) is configured the opening (18) and having a dispensing surface 30 accessible through such that in use in a loading orientation of the dispensing arrangement (14), (16) product objects collect in the collection region (26). During movement of the dispensing arrangement (14), (16) from the loading orientation to a dispensing orientation the guide member (32) guides product objects within the collection region (26) so as to dispense them onto the dispensing surface (30) of the dispensing tray (29).