Ice dispensing system
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing ice dispensing systems are inefficient in dispensing precise amounts of ice, often leading to overfilling or underfilling due to user error and mechanical inaccuracies, especially when integrated with beverage dispensing machines, which require multiple steps and increased machine complexity.
Innovation Solution
An ice dispensing system with a controller-activated ice directing element that moves between positions to direct ice into either a dispensing or waste outlet, allowing for precise control of ice dispensing without user intervention, using an ice hopper, chute, and sensors for accurate measurement and prevention of contamination.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If ice is dispensed by manual operation (lever or button), then the user can control the dispensing action, but the amount of ice dispensed varies and is difficult to control precisely
Solution Approach 1:
The system automatically detects when a cup is present and initiates ice dispensing without requiring manual operation. The controller activates the ice dispensing element and directs ice into the cup autonomously, eliminating the need for users to press levers or buttons while maintaining precise control through automated detection and control mechanisms.
2Reliability
If the user releases the lever or button early to avoid overfilling, then overfilling is prevented, but the cup becomes underfilled
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses sensors to detect the presence of ice in the cup during dispensing and automatically stops dispensing when the cup is full, providing real-time feedback control. This eliminates the need for users to judge when to stop dispensing, ensuring the cup is filled to the correct level without overfilling or underfilling.
3Adaptability or versatility
If integrated beverage and ice dispensing machines use multiple moving parts (cup carousel, conveyor belt), then cups can be moved between dispensing outlets, but the machine becomes complicated and bulky
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the complex cup transport mechanisms (carousel, conveyor belt) from the system. Instead, the cup remains stationary on the platform while the ice dispensing system is designed to deliver ice directly into the cup without requiring cup movement, thereby simplifying the overall machine structure.
4Extent of automation
If ice is dispensed automatically without user-held cups, then user convenience is improved, but ice must be dispensed gently to avoid toppling the cup
Solution Approach 1:
The ice dispensing system incorporates a directing element with a controlled outlet that delivers ice gently and precisely into the cup. The local design of the dispensing mechanism ensures that ice is released with appropriate force control, preventing cup toppling while maintaining automated operation.
Data Source
Figure 1
AI summary
The invention relates to an ice dispensing system comprising an ice hopper, an ice chute for transporting ice from the ice hopper to a dispensing outlet or a waste outlet, an ice dispensing element for dispensing ice from the hopper into the ice chute, an ice directing element having a first position for directing ice to the waste outlet and a second position for directing ice to the dispensing outlet, and a controller for controlling the ice dispensing element and the position of the ice directing element. Also provided is a beverage dispensing machine comprising the ice dispensing system of the invention and a method for dispensing ice from the ice dispensing system or beverage dispensing machine of the invention.