Frozen Product Dispensing Head for Even Pressure Compression
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing dispensing apparatuses for frozen or semi-frozen products face challenges in efficiently dispensing the contents without puncturing or uneven deformation of the containers, and there is a need for improved containers and apparatuses to enhance hygiene and operational efficiency.
Innovation Solution
The apparatus features a compressing head that complements the container shape for even pressure application, a locking mechanism to ensure proper container orientation, and an automatic disposal system for empty containers, along with sensors to manage operation conditions based on product type and hygiene needs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a plunger is forced into a container of frozen or semi-frozen product, then the product can be dispensed from the container, but the container may be punctured or unevenly deformed
Solution Approach 1:
The compressing head is shaped to complement the container geometry, distributing compression force evenly across the container surface rather than concentrating it at a single point. This local adaptation of the compressing head shape ensures uniform pressure application that prevents puncturing while effectively dispensing the product.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of forcing a plunger into the container from the top (conventional approach), the invention compresses the container from the top to force product out through the base. This inverted approach avoids direct penetration of the container walls while achieving the same dispensing effect through controlled compression.
2Productivity
If conventional dispensing apparatus is used, then product can be delivered, but hygiene and operational efficiency need improvement
Solution Approach 1:
The empty container is automatically removed from the dispensing chamber after product delivery, extracting the contaminated element from the system. This automatic disposal prevents cross-contamination between containers and eliminates manual handling of soiled containers, improving both hygiene and operational efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The system automatically manages the dispensing process including compression, product delivery, and container removal without manual intervention. This self-service operation maintains hygiene by minimizing human contact with the dispensing mechanism and automatically resets the system for the next operation.
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 ensures even dispensing of frozen or semi-frozen products while minimizing container damage and maintaining hygiene by using a compressing head that evenly applies pressure and an automatic disposal system, enhancing operational efficiency and user convenience.
Implementation Method 1
a compressing head (130) arranged to be complementary in shape to the container (500) so that, when the container (500) and the compressing head (130) contact one another, even pressure is applied to the container (500)
Data Source
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Figure 2
AI summary
There is described a dispensing apparatus for dispensing a food product from a container. The dispensing apparatus comprises a support for supporting a container of product when the container is loaded into the apparatus, an actuator for effecting movement of the support in a first direction during a product dispensing stroke of the apparatus and in a second direction during a return stroke of the apparatus; and a retainer for retaining a spent container of product so that a spent container is removed from the support during the return stroke.