Dual-Chamber Pump Dispensing for Faster Viscous Food Flow
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing dispensing devices for viscous foodstuffs have limited pump speed due to the need to refill the pump chamber after each discharge, resulting in inefficiencies, especially in high-demand settings like snack bars and restaurants.
Innovation Solution
The dispensing device incorporates a pump mechanism that transfers substance from a suction chamber to a dispensing chamber during the return movement, utilizing non-return valves and an elastic dome-shaped member to enhance dispensing speed by allowing continuous operation without waiting for refilling.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If the pump means refills the pump chamber after each discharge, then the pump chamber is ready for the next discharge, but the pump speed is limited due to the waiting time required for refilling
Solution Approach 1:
The pump chamber is divided into two separate chambers: a first pump chamber for suction and a second pump chamber for dispensing. This segmentation allows the two chambers to operate independently and simultaneously, eliminating the sequential waiting time that previously limited pump speed.
Solution Approach 2:
While the first pump chamber is being refilled during the return stroke, the second pump chamber simultaneously dispenses the substance. This continuous operation ensures that one chamber is always ready for dispensing, eliminating idle waiting time and maximizing pump speed.
2Productivity
If the pump means operates at higher speed, then dispensing efficiency increases, but the refilling process cannot keep up with the discharge rate
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the pump system into two independent chambers, the refilling of one chamber does not interrupt the dispensing from the other chamber, allowing higher operating speeds without sacrificing refilling capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The first pump chamber is refilled in advance during the return stroke before it is needed for the next dispensing cycle. This preliminary action ensures that the substance is ready for immediate dispensing, enabling faster operational cycles.
3Speed
If a single pump chamber is used, then the device structure is simple, but the dispensing speed is limited by the sequential refilling-dispensing cycle
Solution Approach 1:
The pump means is segmented into two chambers that can be integrated within a single housing structure. This segmentation increases dispensing speed while maintaining relatively simple overall device architecture through shared components and compact arrangement.
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
This design significantly increases dispensing speed, enabling faster and more efficient dispensing of viscous substances, such as condiments, by allowing continuous operation without the need for refilling, thus improving performance in busy environments.
Implementation Method 1
an elastic dome-shaped member to enhance dispensing speed by allowing continuous operation without waiting for refilling
Implementation Method 2
utilizing non-return valves and an elastic dome-shaped member to enhance dispensing speed
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to a dispensing device for dispensing a liquid or viscous substance, preferably foodstuff. At least one pump means (4) is provided to perform pump motions for sucking said substance (2) into the dispensing device (1) and dispense or discharge it therefrom. The pump means (4) is provided to divide inner parts of the dispensing device (1) into at least one suction chamber (30) and at least one dispensing or discharge chamber (31) which are interconnected through at least one transfer chamber (32). The pump means (4) is during a first pump motion in one direction (A) provided to suck substance (2) into the suction chamber (30) and simultaneously dispense or discharge substance (2) from the discharge chamber (31). The pump means (4) is during a second pump motion in the opposite direction (D) relative to the first pump motion provided to feed substance (2) from the suction chamber (30) and through the transfer chamber (32) into the discharge chamber (31).