Dispenser of disposable containers for the preparation of beverages
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing dispensers for disposable beverage containers require replacement of the entire unit when container shape or size changes, leading to high costs and storage needs for multiple dispensers.
Innovation Solution
An interchangeable dispensing wheel with adjustable pockets allows for easy reconfiguration to accommodate different container shapes and sizes without replacing the hopper or discharge unit, using a gear train and elastic coupling for secure locking.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the entire dispenser is replaced when container shape or size changes, then the dispenser can accommodate different container types, but the cost and storage requirements increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The dispenser is divided into replaceable modules: the dispensing wheel with pockets and the discharge unit can be independently replaced while keeping the hopper and motor assembly. This segmentation allows users to swap only the necessary components for different container types rather than replacing the entire dispenser, reducing storage requirements and costs.
Solution Approach 2:
The hopper and motor assembly serve as universal components that can work with multiple types of dispensing wheels designed for different container shapes and sizes. This multi-functionality allows a single base unit to accommodate various container types through wheel replacement, improving adaptability without increasing the number of dispensers needed.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the entire dispenser is replaced when container shape or size changes, then the dispenser can accommodate different container types, but the replacement cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the dispenser into replaceable modules (dispensing wheel, discharge unit, and base assembly), the invention reduces replacement costs. Users only need to purchase and replace the specific wheel module required for their container type, rather than replacing the entire expensive dispenser unit.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention enables selective replacement of only the dispensing wheel and discharge unit components when container types change, while the expensive hopper and motor assembly are retained and reused. This selective replacement strategy significantly reduces replacement costs compared to replacing the entire dispenser.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple dispensers are stored for different container types, then container type adaptability is achieved, but storage space requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The dispenser system is segmented into a permanent base unit and interchangeable wheel modules. Users store only the different wheel modules needed for various container types rather than storing multiple complete dispensers, dramatically reducing storage space requirements while maintaining full adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
The interchangeable dispensing wheels can be designed to nest or stack within each other when not in use, allowing multiple wheel types to be stored in a compact arrangement within or near the dispenser base, minimizing the storage space required for different container type adaptations.
4Device complexity
If the dispensing wheel has fixed pocket configuration, then the structure is simple, but adaptability to different container shapes and sizes is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The dispensing wheel is designed with dynamic adjustability: the number, size, and arrangement of pockets can be changed by replacing the wheel module itself. This dynamic configuration allows the same base dispenser to adapt to different container shapes and sizes without increasing the complexity of the permanent structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention allows changes in critical parameters (pocket number, pocket size, pocket arrangement) by replacing the dispensing wheel module. These parameter changes enable accommodation of different container shapes and sizes while keeping the base dispenser structure simple and unchanged.
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 and cost-effective adaptation to various container shapes and sizes, eliminating the need for multiple dispensers and simplifying the replacement process.
Implementation Method 1
a gear train to connect an output shaft of the electric motor to an input shaft of the dispensing wheel
Implementation Method 2
The device 22 comprises a pair of elastically deformable projections 23... configured to extend through the gear 20a... and so as to allow the teeth 24 to axially lock the shaft 21 onto the gear 20a
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
A dispenser of disposable containers (2) for the preparation of beverages has a hopper (3) to contain a plurality of disposable containers (2), a discharge unit (8) to discharge the disposable containers (2), and a dispensing wheel (11; 25; 27), which receives disposable containers (2) from the hopper (3), dispenses disposable containers (2) to the discharge unit (8), is interchangeable to reconfigure the dispenser depending on the shape and/or size of the disposable containers (2), and is releasably connectable to an actuating device (17) of the dispensing wheel (11; 25; 27).