Interchangeable Nozzle Cap Assembly to Prevent Pouch Drying
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing dispensing systems for flowable confectionery require different pouch and nozzle/tip assemblies for varying decorating tips, leading to exposure and drying of confectionery contents.
Innovation Solution
A nozzle and cap assembly that accepts decorating tips of different sizes and shapes, featuring a threaded adapter system allowing interchangeable tips and a sealing element to prevent leakage and drying.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If different pouch and nozzle/tip assemblies are used for varying decorating tips, then decorating versatility is improved, but confectionery contents are exposed to air causing drying and surface hardening
Solution Approach 1:
The nozzle assembly incorporates a universal adapter with multiple threaded portions that can accommodate different decorating tips while maintaining a single sealed pouch system. The adapter allows various tips to be attached to the same nozzle without exposing the confectionery to air, thus achieving multi-functionality without the harmful side effect of repeated exposure.
Solution Approach 2:
The system is divided into separable components: a reusable sealed pouch, a nozzle assembly, and interchangeable decorating tips. The nozzle and tips can be detached and reattached without compromising the seal of the pouch, allowing tip changes while maintaining the integrity of the confectionery containment.
2Device complexity
If a single nozzle assembly is used with multiple decorating tips, then device complexity is reduced, but adaptability to different tip sizes and shapes decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The adapter incorporates multiple threaded portions with different configurations that can accommodate various decorating tip types. This universal design allows a single nozzle assembly to work with multiple tip sizes and shapes, reducing the need for multiple complete assemblies while maintaining full adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
The adapter serves as an intermediary component between the nozzle and the various decorating tips. It provides the interface that enables different tips to be attached to a single nozzle assembly, thus mediating between the need for simplicity and the need for versatility.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the pouch is opened to change decorating tips, then tip versatility is improved, but confectionery contents are exposed to air resulting in water evaporation and hardening
Solution Approach 1:
The system separates the tip-changing function from the pouch-opening function. Tips can be changed on the nozzle assembly without opening the pouch, thus allowing tip versatility while preventing water evaporation and hardening of the confectionery contents.
Solution Approach 2:
The adapter acts as an intermediary that enables tip changes without requiring pouch opening. This intermediary mechanism allows the user to switch between different decorating tips while the pouch remains sealed, preventing exposure to air and subsequent water loss.
Data Source
AI summary
A variable tip nozzle and cap assembly for a dispensing pouch is disclosed. The nozzle and cap assembly includes a hollow nozzle, an adapter, a hollow tip, and a cap. A seal may be disposed between the hollow nozzle and the adapter to militate against an undesired flow of material from the dispensing pouch. The material may be a confectionary for decorating cakes and cookies, for example. The adapter includes threaded portions of different diameters, which receive the hollow tip and/or the cap. The hollow tip may be configured for application of the material in a specific design.