External Liquid Topping Dispenser with Sealed Gasket Mount
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing kiosk liquid topping dispensers are exposed to elements and debris, reducing their usability and requiring customers to wait for operators to apply toppings, which limits efficiency and customer convenience.
Innovation Solution
A kiosk design with a liquid topping dispenser assembly secured to a mounting bracket on the sidewall using a gasket assembly and fasteners, allowing customers to access and apply toppings externally while preventing debris entry and accommodating material expansion/contraction, with hoses connected to internal containers for fluid communication.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the liquid topping dispenser is placed inside the kiosk, then it is protected from environmental elements, but customers cannot access it directly and must wait for operators
Solution Approach 1:
The dispenser system is divided into two separate parts: the liquid storage containers remain inside the protected kiosk interior chamber, while the dispensing mechanism (faucets and associated components) is mounted externally on the kiosk exterior surface. This segmentation allows customers to directly access and operate the external dispensing mechanism without exposing the internal liquid storage to environmental elements.
Solution Approach 2:
A mounting bracket assembly with gasket acts as an intermediary between the internal liquid storage and external dispensing mechanism. The gasket creates a sealed interface that prevents environmental elements from penetrating into the interior chamber while allowing the dispensing mechanism to be mounted externally for customer access.
2Productivity
If the dispenser assembly is mounted externally for customer access, then operational efficiency improves, but debris and environmental elements can enter the interior chamber
Solution Approach 1:
The gasket assembly serves as a protective intermediary that seals the interface between the external dispenser mounting bracket and the kiosk interior chamber. This gasket prevents debris and environmental elements from entering the interior chamber through the mounting interface while still allowing the dispenser to be accessible to customers.
Solution Approach 2:
The dispensing mechanism is extracted from the interior chamber and mounted externally on the kiosk surface. This extraction removes the potential entry point for debris into the interior chamber while maintaining customer access to the liquid toppings through the external mounting.
3Reliability
If fasteners are used to secure the dispenser assembly, then stability improves, but the mounting structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting bracket and gasket assembly are combined into an integrated mounting structure. The bracket provides the mechanical attachment points with fasteners for stability, while the gasket is incorporated into the same assembly to provide sealing. This merging reduces the number of separate components and simplifies the overall mounting structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The mounting bracket assembly serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides structural support and stable mounting through fasteners, creates a sealed interface to prevent debris entry through the integrated gasket, and facilitates customer access to the external dispensing mechanism. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate components.
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus has a kiosk for selling frozen confections such as shaved ice or ice cream. The apparatus includes a liquid topping dispenser assembly having liquid dispensing faucets that are operable by a customer outside the kiosk to dispense liquid toppings onto the frozen confection. The liquid topping dispenser assembly is mounted onto a sidewall of the kiosk such that an open space is formed. A gasket assembly is positioned within the open space.