Cutlery Dispenser Cams for Non-Interlocking Stack Dispensing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing cutlery dispensers fail to provide disposable cutlery in a hygienic, economical, and non-wasteful manner due to inefficient designs that lead to interlocking issues, making dispensing difficult, and prior cartridge-based systems are expensive and wasteful.
Innovation Solution
A cutlery dispenser with a banded packet configuration that allows for easy loading and dispensing, using rotatable or rocking cams to facilitate the dispensing of cutlery without interlocking, and a design that allows for quick re-filling and space-efficient mounting options.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If disposable cutlery with external ridge or rim is stacked for dispensing, then the cutlery structure provides rigidity and cost-effectiveness, but the ridges cause interlocking that prevents efficient dispensing
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by modifying the cutlery design before stacking to prevent interlocking. Specifically, the ridges are configured to be substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the handle, and the web is positioned to allow smooth stacking. This pre-configured design ensures that when cutlery is stacked in the dispenser, the pieces can slide relative to each other without interlocking, enabling efficient dispensing while maintaining structural rigidity.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If cartridge-based systems are used for hygienic dispensing, then hygiene is improved, but cost and waste increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies self-service by designing a dispenser system that maintains hygiene without requiring disposable cartridges. The dispenser uses a stackable cutlery configuration with parallel ridges that allow automatic, clean dispensing of individual pieces. The system serves itself by using the weight of stacked cutlery to facilitate automatic feeding, eliminating the need for expensive single-use cartridges while maintaining hygienic conditions through controlled dispensing mechanisms.
3Ease of manufacture
If conventional cutlery designs are used, then manufacturing cost is reduced, but stacking efficiency deteriorates due to interlocking ridges
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by making specific modifications to particular areas of the cutlery design. The ridges are positioned and oriented specifically (substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis) and the web is configured in a specific location and orientation. These localized design changes enable efficient stacking and dispensing without requiring complete redesign of the entire cutlery, thus maintaining cost-effectiveness while improving stacking productivity.
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to dispensers for disposable cutlery. The invention also relates to banded packets of disposable cutlery that can be used in the cutlery dispenser of the present invention, as well as other cutlery dispensers that do not use a cartridge therein. The present invention also relates to disposable cutlery that has been adapted to make it better suited to stacking, such as for use in cutlery dispensers that do not include a cartridge.