Fixed Nozzle Reciprocating Pump for Viscous Food Dispensing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing food dispensers in the food service industry face challenges with reciprocating pumps that struggle to reliably dispense products in specific locations due to moving nozzles, and have complex designs that are difficult to disassemble and clean, particularly when dealing with viscous substances and large volumes.
Innovation Solution
A robust fixed nozzle dispenser with modular components for easy disassembly and cleaning, featuring a pump body with a coaxial tubular extension, a detachable actuator cap, and a shroud that allows for quick assembly and disassembly, along with a nozzle adapter that prevents dripping and accumulation, all made from recyclable thermoplastics.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If a reciprocating pump with moving nozzle is used, then the pump can deliver small doses of fluids from bulk container, but the dispensing outlet moves in concert with the actuator head making it difficult to reliably deposit the dispensed product in a specific location
Solution Approach 1:
The pump is divided into separate functional modules: the actuator head with T-shaped configuration separates the reciprocating motion from the fixed dispensing nozzle. The dip tube extends beneath the nozzle while the reciprocating plunger operates above it, allowing independent optimization of fluid delivery and dispensing location precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The T-shaped actuator head serves as an intermediary mechanism between the reciprocating plunger and the fixed nozzle. It transfers the reciprocating motion to create suction through the dip tube while maintaining a fixed dispensing outlet position, resolving the conflict between bulk storage and precise dispensing location.
2Reliability
If the pump design includes multiple valves and distinct structures, then the pump can function properly, but the components are difficult to access, clean, and reassemble
Solution Approach 1:
The pump is segmented into modular components including a removable actuator head, separate dip tube, and distinct valve assemblies. This segmentation allows each component to be easily accessed, cleaned, and reassembled while maintaining proper pump function through standardized connection interfaces.
Solution Approach 2:
The pump design incorporates dynamic accessibility features where components can be easily assembled and disassembled during operation and maintenance. The modular structure allows the actuator head and dip tube to be quickly removed for cleaning without requiring complete disassembly of the entire pump system.
3Productivity
If the pump is designed for high volume dispensing, then larger chambers and robust components are required, but the profile becomes larger and cleaning access becomes more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The high-volume pump is segmented into modular components that can be easily separated for cleaning. The actuator head, dip tube, and valve assemblies are distinct modules that maintain robust construction for high-volume dispensing while allowing individual components to be accessed and cleaned separately, reducing the overall cleaning complexity despite the larger profile.
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 design enables efficient and precise dispensing of viscous foodstuffs, simplifies cleaning and maintenance, and integrates with bag-in-box systems, ensuring reliable operation and reduced waste while promoting sustainability through recyclable materials.
Implementation Method 1
a reciprocating plunger is provided above the dispensing nozzle, while the dip tube extends beneath the nozzle, thereby imparting a characteristic T-shape to the entirety of the pump assembly. Although these dispensers tend to have a larger profile, they can create sufficient suction to dispense water and more viscous foodstuffs
Data Source
AI summary
A fixed nozzle pump appropriate for food service and dispensing of other fluids of varying viscosities is contemplated. The components are modularly connectable for easy assembly and cleaning. A piston and sealing ring cooperate with the chamber extension formed in the pump body to facilitate reciprocating pump action while minimizing the number of components disposed in and exposed to the fluid flow path. A novel, injection-moldable valve is integrated on the dispensing nozzle. The entire assembly may be disposed within a container shell which itself includes a replaceable pouch filled with the fluid to be dispensed.