Single-Serving Frozen Confection System with Pod Scraping
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current domestic ice cream makers produce large batches of ice cream, requiring pre-frozen containers and significant time, and do not efficiently dispense single servings directly into consumption containers.
Innovation Solution
A compact system capable of producing at least 5 fluid ounces of frozen confection in 5 minutes or less, using a pod with a cooling unit, water supply, and rotation mechanism to dispense directly into a container, also capable of making hot or cold beverages.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If current domestic ice cream makers are used to produce large batches of ice cream, then the quantity of frozen confection is increased, but the preparation time and device complexity are substantially increased
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the frozen confection production into single-serving portions using individual cups or containers, each processed separately and simultaneously. This segmentation allows the system to produce multiple servings without requiring sequential processing, thereby reducing total preparation time while maintaining single-portion quality
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary freezing of the confection mixture in the cups before the final dispensing stage. By pre-freezing the portions in individual containers and then rapidly cooling them in the dispensing system, the overall preparation time is reduced while maintaining the single-serving format
2Reliability
If current domestic ice cream makers are used, then the container must be pre-frozen for 4-8 hours, but this preliminary freezing step increases the loss of time and requires additional energy
Solution Approach 1:
The system extracts the pre-freezing requirement from the traditional batch ice cream maker by using individually frozen cups that are prepared separately. The cups are pre-frozen in a compact freezer and then transferred to the dispensing system, eliminating the need for long pre-freezing of large containers and reducing both time and energy consumption
Solution Approach 2:
The cups containing the confection mixture are pre-frozen individually before being placed in the dispensing system. This preliminary action ensures the cups are ready for rapid cooling and dispensing without requiring the entire system or large containers to be pre-frozen for extended periods
3Ease of operation
If manual removal and scooping of ice cream is required, then the ease of operation is reduced, but the device complexity remains simple
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs automatic dispensing of the frozen confection from the pre-filled cups into serving containers. The mechanical arm or dispensing mechanism automatically removes the cups, dispenses the contents, and places them in serving containers, eliminating the need for manual removal and scooping while keeping the overall system relatively simple
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses an intermediary dispensing mechanism that bridges the gap between the stored cups and the final serving container. This intermediary device handles the transfer and dispensing automatically, improving ease of operation without requiring complex integrated systems
4Volume of moving object
If a compact system is designed to fit under kitchen cabinets, then the volume of the device is reduced, but the productivity may be limited
Solution Approach 1:
The system processes multiple single-serving cups simultaneously in parallel, with each cup being independently frozen and dispensed. This segmentation allows the compact device to produce multiple servings in one operational cycle, maintaining productivity despite the reduced volume and compact footprint
Solution Approach 2:
The system maintains continuous operation by having multiple cups ready for processing and using rapid cooling and dispensing cycles. The continuous flow of cups through the system ensures high productivity within the compact device, eliminating idle time and maximizing output per unit volume
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
Enables rapid production of single servings of frozen confections, beverages, and hot drinks, reducing preparation time and eliminating the need for pre-frozen containers, while being compact and energy-efficient.
Implementation Method 1
a cooling unit for cooling the pod
Implementation Method 2
a rotation unit for rotating the at least one internal paddle of the pod
Data Source
AI summary
A system for providing a single serving of a frozen confection, wherein the system comprises a pod comprising at least one ingredient for providing a single serving of a frozen confection; the system cools the pod; the system introduces water into the pod; the system simultaneously stirs the contents of the pod while scraping at least one wall of the pod to prevent a build-up of the frozen confection on the at least one wall of the pod; and the system ejects the frozen confection out of the pod.