Frozen Confection Dispenser Nozzle Cooling via Removable Holder
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing systems for dispensing soft ice cream face challenges in maintaining hygiene due to potential microbial growth in the nozzle area, where frozen confection is not kept at a low enough temperature, and require complex refrigeration systems and frequent cleaning.
Innovation Solution
An apparatus with an insulated chamber, refrigeration system, and a removable holder that supports the container, featuring channels for cold air flow and a self-closing nozzle with a slit valve, ensuring the nozzle area remains below −13°C and is easily cleanable.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the nozzle is open to the outside during dispensing, then the dispensing operation is enabled, but microbial growth occurs due to higher temperatures in the nozzle area
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-cooling the nozzle area to below -13°C before dispensing begins. The refrigeration system maintains the nozzle area at sub-zero temperatures in advance, so when the nozzle is exposed during dispensing, the frozen confection remains at a temperature that prevents microbial growth. This resolves the contradiction by preparing the thermal environment beforehand to counteract the warming effect of exposure.
2Reliability
If a permanent duct is provided for cold air flow, then the outlet is kept free from melted ice cream, but the system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the refrigeration system into a portable holder unit with integrated refrigeration capability, separate from the main dispensing apparatus. The holder contains a small refrigeration system that independently cools the nozzle area, eliminating the need for a permanent duct connecting to the main refrigeration system. This segmentation reduces overall system complexity while maintaining the reliability of keeping the outlet free from melted ice cream.
3Stability of the object's composition
If the holder is fixed, then the structure is stable, but cleaning becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the holder removable and movable rather than fixed. The holder can be detached from the dispensing apparatus, allowing complete removal for thorough cleaning. The refrigeration system in the holder can be deactivated during cleaning, and the holder can be easily reattached when needed. This dynamic design maintains structural stability during operation while enabling easy cleaning when required.
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 solution effectively prevents microbial growth by maintaining the nozzle area at a low temperature and allows for easy cleaning, enhancing the hygiene and operational convenience of the dispensing system.
Implementation Method 1
a refrigeration system for cooling the chamber and its contents to a temperature of −6° C. or below
Implementation Method 2
one or more channels which allow cold air to flow from the chamber into the region around the outer end of the nozzle
Implementation Method 3
an insulated chamber, which houses at least one container suitable for containing a frozen confection
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus for dispensing a frozen confection is provided comprising: an insulated chamber (1) housing a container (3) of a frozen confection; a refrigeration system (8); a nozzle (4) having an inner end which is connected to the container (3); and an outer end which is located outside the insulated chamber; means for applying pressure to the frozen confection thereby to dispense it from the container (3); a cap (7) which can enclose the outer end (6) of the nozzle (4) when closed and which allows external access to the outer end (6) of the nozzle (4) when open; and one or more channels (12) which allow cold air to flow from the chamber into the region around the outer end of the nozzle; wherein the apparatus comprises a removable holder (10) that supports the container (3) and wherein the spaces between the container (3), the inside of the chamber and the underside of the holder form the one or more channels (12).