Independent Actuation Handle for Frozen Confection Dispenser
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing apparatuses for dispensing frozen confectionery with mixed-in particulate material are too bulky for in-home use and lack independent control over the delivery of frozen confectionery and particulate material, often requiring non-independent actuation of both components.
Innovation Solution
A compact apparatus with a handle that allows independent actuation of a frozen confectionery dispenser and a particulate material dispenser, using a first actuation action for frozen confectionery dispensing and a second actuation action for particulate material control, enabling flexible and convenient delivery of varying amounts of particulate material.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a single handle actuates both frozen confectionery and particulate material dispensers simultaneously, then the device complexity is reduced, but the ease of operation deteriorates due to lack of independent control
Solution Approach 1:
The handle means is segmented into two functionally independent actuation mechanisms: a first actuation mechanism (e.g., trigger) for the frozen confectionery dispenser and a second actuation mechanism (e.g., button) for the particulate material dispenser. This segmentation allows independent control of each dispenser while maintaining a unified handle structure, thus reducing overall device complexity while preserving ease of operation.
2Reliability
If existing apparatuses are designed for out-of-home use only, then the reliability of dispensing frozen confectionery with particulate material is improved, but the adaptability deteriorates due to bulkiness unsuitable for in-home environments
Solution Approach 1:
The apparatus employs a compact nested structure where the frozen confectionery dispenser and particulate material dispenser are integrated within a shared housing and actuation system. The handle means serves as a common interface for both dispensers, allowing one device to perform multiple functions in a space-efficient manner. This nesting approach enables reliable dual-dispensing functionality while reducing the overall footprint to make the device suitable for in-home use.
3Productivity
If frozen confectionery is held under pressure for immediate dispensing, then the productivity is improved, but the device complexity increases due to pressure control requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The frozen confectionery is pre-loaded into the dispenser chamber in a frozen state and held ready for dispensing. The pressure system is designed to automatically activate upon trigger actuation, using stored mechanical energy or a simple pump mechanism to force the frozen confectionery through the nozzle. This self-service approach allows immediate dispensing upon user activation without requiring complex real-time pressure control systems, thereby maintaining high productivity while limiting device complexity.
Data Source
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AI summary
An apparatus (10) for dispensing frozen confectionery comprising particulate material, the apparatus comprising: a frozen confectionery dispenser, a particulate material dispenser, and a handle means (14); wherein the handle means (14) is adapted to provide a first actuation action for activation of the frozen confectionery dispenser and a second actuation action for activation of the particulate material dispenser, wherein the first and second actuation actions are independent of each other.