Flavoring Dispenser with Adjustable Reciprocating Dosing Member

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing flavoring dispensers are inefficient in adjusting the volume of flavoring dispensed, requiring replacement of internal parts and multiple spare parts for different dose sizes, and are slow due to the need for precise weighing or volume measurement.

Innovation Solution

A flavoring dispenser with a reciprocating member that adjusts the exposure of a dosing volume to the flavoring chamber, allowing for partial exposure control, enabling infinitely adjustable dose sizes without the need for part replacement, and facilitating efficient dispensing of both solid granular and liquid flavorings.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If a weigher is used to weigh out a known amount of flavouring, then the accuracy of the dispensed amount is improved, but the speed of operation deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveaccuracy of dispensed amountVSAvoidspeed of operation

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical weighing system with a volumetric measurement system. A dosing member with a defined volume cavity measures flavouring by volume rather than weight, eliminating the need for mechanical weighers and enabling faster operation while maintaining controlled dispensing

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs a gas flow system to transport flavouring particles through a fluidized bed and into the dosing member's volume cavity. This pneumatic conveying mechanism enables rapid filling of the dosing volume without mechanical weighing, resolving the speed-accuracy contradiction

Inventive Principle:

Principle #29Pneumatics and hydraulics

2Manufacturing precision

If the aperture size is fixed to determine the volume of flavouring dispensed, then the precision of dose size is improved, but the adaptability to different dose sizes deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprecision of dose sizeVSAvoidadjustability to different dose sizes

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent makes the dosing member adjustable by allowing it to be positioned at different depths within the flavouring chamber. This dynamic adjustment capability enables the same dosing member to dispense different volumes of flavouring by varying the exposure of its cavity to the flavouring supply, eliminating the need for multiple fixed aperture sizes

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the operational parameter of the dosing member's position rather than its physical structure. By adjusting the vertical position or depth of the dosing member, the effective dosing volume can be varied continuously, providing adaptability to different dose sizes while maintaining manufacturing precision through controlled positioning

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Manufacturing precision

If internal parts are replaced to change the volume of flavouring dispensed, then the precision of dose size is improved, but the loss of time for part replacement deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprecision of dose sizeVSAvoidtime for part replacement

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent designs a universal dosing member that can perform multiple dosing functions by adjusting its position. A single dosing member structure serves all dosing requirements by varying its exposure to the flavouring chamber, eliminating the need for multiple specialized parts and the time associated with replacing them

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentUS12259264B2Apparatus and method for dispensing doses of flavouring

Publication Date: 2025.03.25 ISHIDA EUROPE LTD

AI summary

A flavouring dispenser for dispensing doses of flavouring is disclosed. The flavouring dispenser comprises a flavouring chamber for containing flavouring; a dosing member having a dosing volume for receiving flavouring from the flavouring chamber, the dosing member defining an opening to the dosing volume through which flavouring is received from the flavouring chamber. A reciprocating member is movable relative to the dosing member between a closed position, at which the opening is isolated from the flavouring chamber by the reciprocating member, to a first open position, at which the opening is partially exposed to the flavouring chamber such that an amount of flavouring may enter into the dosing volume via the opening, and back to the closed position, such that the flavouring may be dispensed by the dosing member. The first open position of the reciprocating member is adjustable such that degree to which the opening is exposed to the flavouring chamber may be changed so as to adjust the amount of flavouring received in the dosing volume.