Refrigerator Ice-Cream Capsule Dispenser with Disposable Seals
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing ice-cream dispensing machines are cumbersome, expensive, and require frequent maintenance, limiting their use to commercial settings and offering limited flavor options. Additionally, domestic ice-cream machines require preparation and cleaning, making them inconvenient for on-demand use.
Innovation Solution
A disposable ice-cream/yogurt capsule system that includes a capsule dispenser integrated into a refrigerator or freezer, allowing for the easy dispensing of ready-to-eat ice-cream/yogurt in any desired flavor without the need for preparation or cleaning.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If traditional ice-cream dispensing machines are used, then ice-cream can be dispensed, but the machines are cumbersome, large, and expensive
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the ice-cream dispensing function into separate components: a reusable dispenser unit and disposable capsules containing pre-prepared ice-cream portions. This segmentation eliminates the need for large mixing tanks, ingredient storage compartments, and complex dispensing mechanisms in traditional machines, dramatically reducing size and complexity while maintaining ease of use.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention employs disposable capsules that contain pre-prepared ice-cream portions. Each capsule is a simple, inexpensive, single-use container that eliminates the need for complex, expensive, and cumbersome traditional dispensing machines. The capsule is inserted into a minimal dispenser, used once, and then discarded, providing a cost-effective solution that is both simple and easy to operate.
2Adaptability or versatility
If traditional ice-cream machines are used, then multiple flavors can be provided, but frequent cleaning and maintenance are required to avoid contamination
Solution Approach 1:
The system separates the flavor storage function into individual disposable capsules, each containing a specific flavor of ice-cream. The dispenser unit itself remains clean and contamination-free, as it only handles the dispensing mechanism. This segmentation eliminates the need for frequent cleaning of flavor storage compartments and mixing mechanisms, while still allowing users to access multiple flavors by simply changing capsules.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention uses disposable capsules that are discarded after a single use, eliminating the need for cleaning and maintenance of flavor storage and dispensing components. Each capsule is sealed until use, ensuring no contamination occurs during storage or handling. The dispenser unit requires minimal maintenance as it never comes into contact with the ice-cream contents, solving both the flavor variety and cleaning maintenance contradictions.
3Ease of operation
If domestic ice-cream machines are used, then ice-cream can be prepared at home, but preliminary preparations and cleaning are required
Solution Approach 1:
The ice-cream portions are pre-prepared, pre-frozen, and sealed in disposable capsules before reaching the consumer. This preliminary action eliminates the need for home users to perform ingredient preparation, mixing, and cleaning operations. Users simply insert the pre-prepared capsule into the dispenser and receive ready-to-eat ice-cream, saving significant time and effort while maintaining the convenience of home preparation.
4Productivity
If commercial ice-cream machines are used, then ice-cream can be dispensed, but they are too expensive and complicated for domestic use
Solution Approach 1:
The invention replaces expensive, complex commercial dispensing machines with simple reusable dispensers and disposable capsules. The capsules contain pre-prepared ice-cream portions that require no additional equipment or processing. This approach maintains the productivity of ice-cream dispensing while dramatically reducing cost and complexity, making it feasible for domestic use.
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 system provides a cost-effective, simple, and sanitary way to obtain ice-cream/yogurt on demand, eliminating the need for extensive maintenance and allowing for a wide range of flavors, suitable for both domestic and public use.
Implementation Method 1
a piston (203) for pushing the ice-cream/yogurt from the capsule
Implementation Method 2
a bottom seal/cover (406) placed/attached over said opening and/or said breakable grooved bottom (410), designed to: (i) isolate said ice-cream/yogurt from the surrounding during transportation and storage
Implementation Method 3
an upper pressable seal/top (402) located at said upper section... break under pressure to allow said ice-cream/yogurt to exit out of the capsule
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention provides innovative ice-cream/yogurt capsule dispensers, and capsules therefor.