Ice Cream Feeding Unit Vertical Tank Stacking
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing ice cream machine feeding units are limited in the number of storage tanks they can accommodate due to space constraints, requiring the elimination of tanks to maintain a compact configuration, which restricts the addition of new tanks and increases machine dimensions.
Innovation Solution
A feeding unit design that allows for the addition of one or more tanks without increasing the overall size by using an intake system with multiple inputs, enabling the collection and mixing of products from multiple tanks before transferring them to the batch freezing chamber, and includes a mechanism to superpose tanks for reduced size configurations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the number of storage tanks is increased to accommodate more base products, then the versatility and functionality of the ice cream machine is improved, but the overall dimensions and space occupied by the machine increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from a horizontal arrangement of tanks to a vertical stacking configuration. Multiple storage tanks are arranged in vertical columns, utilizing the vertical dimension to accommodate more tanks without increasing the machine's horizontal footprint. This dimensional change allows the machine to maintain a compact form factor while expanding storage capacity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a nested structure where multiple storage tanks are stacked vertically within a compact footprint. The tanks are arranged in columns and rows, with each tank positioned above or beside others, creating a space-efficient nested configuration that maximizes the use of available vertical space.
2Area of stationary object
If the number of storage tanks is reduced to decrease machine size, then the compactness and space efficiency is improved, but the number of base products that can be stored simultaneously is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent utilizes vertical space by stacking tanks in multiple levels and columns. This allows the machine to store a greater number of different base products by arranging tanks in a three-dimensional grid pattern rather than a simple horizontal row, effectively increasing storage capacity within a compact footprint.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent divides the storage system into multiple independent tanks that can be individually configured and arranged. Each tank can store a different base product, and the segmented design allows for flexible arrangement in vertical columns and rows, maximizing the number of products that can be stored in a given space.
3Reliability
If multiple tanks are arranged side by side to prevent mixing of base products, then the reliability of product separation is improved, but the space required for the feeding unit increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent arranges tanks in vertical columns rather than horizontal rows. Each tank has its own dedicated duct that extends vertically to the mixing chamber, ensuring product separation while utilizing vertical space. This vertical arrangement prevents mixing between adjacent tanks while maintaining a compact horizontal footprint.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent provides each storage tank with a separate, dedicated duct system that connects directly to the mixing chamber. This segmented duct configuration ensures that products from different tanks remain separated throughout the feeding process, preventing cross-contamination while allowing tanks to be arranged in a space-efficient vertical configuration.
Data Source
AI summary
A base/additive product feeding unit for a machine for the production and/or distribution of ice cream, or other ice cream product, comprises a plurality of storage tanks for delivering predetermined quantities of base/additive products used to prepare ice cream in a batch freezing chamber provided with a stirrer and heat treatment means. The connection between the storage tanks and the batch freezing chamber is accomplished by an intake having a plurality of side inputs connected to respective storage tanks and an additional input made in a cover of the intake and connected to a further storage tank in such a way as to allow at least two storage tanks to be superposed on each other.