Frozen Confection Dispenser Inversion for Compact Hygienic Loading

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing devices for dispensing frozen confections from cartridges are prone to contamination, require complex loading mechanisms, and are not compact enough for easy handling and placement.

Innovation Solution

A device that engages a cartridge by inserting it in a direction opposite to the dispensing direction, using a clamp to secure the cartridge and a plunger to dispense the frozen confection, minimizing contact and allowing for a more compact design.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If the cartridge is inserted from the dispensing direction, then the loading mechanism is simpler, but the device becomes larger and more prone to contamination

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveloading processVSAvoiddevice size

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The cartridge is inserted into the clamp in a direction opposite to the dispensing direction. This inversion allows the product outlet to remain clear of the device during loading and dispensing operations, reducing contamination risk and enabling a more compact device design without compromising loading simplicity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

2Ease of operation

If the cartridge is inserted from the dispensing direction, then the loading mechanism is simpler, but the product outlet becomes prone to contamination

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveloading processVSAvoidcontamination risk

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

By inserting the cartridge from the opposite direction to dispensing, the product outlet remains exposed and clear of the device body throughout the loading and dispensing cycle. This spatial separation prevents frozen confection from contacting and contaminating the device, while the loading process remains simple through the clamp mechanism

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

3Ease of operation

If a clearance is provided between the cartridge seat and plunger for loading, then the cartridge can be loaded easily, but the device becomes less compact

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecartridge loadingVSAvoiddevice compactness

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The cartridge loading direction is inverted to be opposite to the dispensing direction. This allows the cartridge to be secured in the clamp without requiring clearance between the cartridge seat and plunger, as the loading path does not interfere with the plunger's dispensing path, enabling a compact device design

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

Data Source

PatentEP3772980B1Device for dispensing frozen confections

Publication Date: 2022.03.30 UNILEVER IP HLDG BV

Figure 1a~1b
Figure 1c~1d
Figure 2a~2b

AI summary

Disclosed is a device (3) for dispensing a frozen confection from a cartridge (6). The cartridge (6) comprises: a product compartment (26) containing the frozen confection and having a product outlet (27); and a moveable wall (24) separating the product compartment (26) from a further compartment, wherein the further compartment extends from the product compartment (26) to an entrance end (28) comprising an entrance opening. The device comprises: a plunger (23) moveable into the entrance opening (28) of the cartridge (6) in a dispensing direction to apply a dispensing force to the movable wall (24) and urge the frozen confection out of the product outlet (27) of the product compartment (26); and a clamp (30) engageable with the entrance end (28) of the cartridge (6) when the entrance end (28) is moved into the clamp (30) in a direction opposite to the dispensing direction.