Magnetic Food Container Coupling for Modular Dispensing

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing food dispensing devices lack modularity and efficient connectivity between components, limiting their convenience and effectiveness in dispensing various food products.

Innovation Solution

A modular food dispensing device with a drive module and food container connected via magnets, featuring a mechanical linkage that transmits torque and includes a retainer for secure attachment and detachment, allowing for easy interchange of food containers.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If a modular design with releasable connections is implemented, then ease of operation and adaptability are improved, but connection reliability and structural stability may deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of container replacementVSAvoidconnection reliability

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The device is divided into separable modules (drive module and food container) that can be independently replaced, enabling easy container replacement while maintaining reliable connections through magnetic coupling and mechanical interlocking features

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Magnetic coupling elements are introduced as intermediaries between the drive module and food container to provide reliable attraction and connection, ensuring that the releasable connection maintains sufficient reliability during operation

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Ease of operation

If magnetic coupling is used for releasable connection, then ease of operation is improved, but connection strength may deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of attachment and detachmentVSAvoidconnection strength

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

Multiple connection mechanisms (magnetic coupling, mechanical interlocking features, and retention structures) are merged to work together, providing both easy operation for attachment/detachment and sufficient connection strength during dispensing operation

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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 convenient and effective dispensing of food products by ensuring secure and reliable connectivity between the drive module and food container, facilitating easy replacement and use with different food products.

Implementation Method 1

one or more magnets provided on one or both of the food container and drive module for releasably connecting the food container and drive module

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMagnetism: Magnetism

Data Source

PatentUS11717112B2Modular food dispensing device

Publication Date: 2023.08.08 FIRMENICH SA

AI summary

A modular food dispensing device comprising a food container configured to contain and dispense a food product, a drive module for mechanically driving the food container to dispense the food product, and one or more magnets provided on one or both of the food container and drive module for releasably connecting the food container and drive module. The drive module is releasably connectable to the food container to selectively form a mechanical linkage for transmitting a driving force from the drive module to the food container to dispense the food product.