Integrated Dispenser Mixer for Ice Cream Machines
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing ice cream dispensing machines often have the mixer positioned far from the dispensing unit, making it difficult for consumers to access and mix additional condiments, leading to accidental drops and cleaning issues due to the non-ergonomic placement.
Innovation Solution
The machine integrates a mixer with a disposable spoon directly next to the dispensing unit, ensuring the mixer's position and function are obvious, allowing easy access for consumers to mix condiments without moving, thus minimizing the risk of spills and improving cleanliness.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If the mixer is positioned far from the dispensing unit, then the machine layout is more compact, but consumer access becomes difficult and spills increase
Solution Approach 1:
The mixer is integrated directly into the dispensing unit housing, merging two previously separate functions (dispensing and mixing) into a single unified structure. This eliminates the need for separate mixer positioning while maintaining compact overall machine dimensions, as the mixer operates within the same spatial envelope as the dispensing mechanism.
2Ease of operation
If the mixer is positioned close to the dispensing unit, then consumer access is improved and spills are reduced, but the machine layout becomes less compact
Solution Approach 1:
The mixer is integrated directly into the dispensing unit housing, merging two previously separate functions (dispensing and mixing) into a single unified structure. This eliminates the need for separate mixer positioning while maintaining compact overall machine dimensions, as the mixer operates within the same spatial envelope as the dispensing mechanism.
3Device complexity
If the mixer is positioned far from the dispensing unit, then the machine structure is simpler, but cleaning becomes more difficult due to accidental drops
Solution Approach 1:
The mixer is integrated directly into the dispensing unit housing, merging two previously separate functions (dispensing and mixing) into a single unified structure. This eliminates the need for separate mixer positioning while maintaining compact overall machine dimensions, as the mixer operates within the same spatial envelope as the dispensing mechanism.
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 integrated mixer design enhances user convenience by keeping the mixing process close to the dispensing point, reducing spills and simplifying cleaning, while maintaining a compact and functional machine layout.
Implementation Method 1
a refrigerating unit, comprising a compressor, a condenser and an evaporator connected to the freezing chamber
Implementation Method 2
the screw-shaped stirrer remixes the product contained in the freezing chamber, simultaneously feeding it towards the front end
Implementation Method 3
A piston runs vertically inside the cylindrical compartment, with each outward stroke dispensing a dose of ice cream through a dispenser nozzle
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~9
Figure 4
AI summary
The invention relates to a machine (1) for making and dispensing food products such as ice creams, ice cream shakes and the like, in which a frame (2) supports and houses a tank (3) for containing a basic product to be processed and a processing circuit (5) for making products to be dispensed starting with the basic product; the processing circuit (5) comprises a processing chamber (37), fed by the tank (3), a stirrer (9), housed in the processing chamber (37), and a refrigerating unit for refrigerating the processing chamber (37); the machine (1) also comprises means (13) for dispensing doses of processed product, said means being connected to the processing chamber (37), and, supported by the frame (2) in a single integrated structure, a plurality of tanks (38) for containing additional condiments, in particular candied items, sweets, chocolates, hazelnuts, pistachios, and a mixer (39) equipped with a disposable spoon (40; 40') for mixing the additional condiments with the product dispensed.