Condiment dispensing apparatus, systems, and related methods
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current condiment dispensers are difficult to clean due to long passageways and internal crevices, leading to contamination and increased maintenance resources. Additionally, refilling these dispensers is cumbersome and can result in the condiment being out of use for an extended period.
Innovation Solution
A condiment dispenser system that includes a basket with a pump and pouch adapter, which can be easily loaded and secured, and a motor system that connects to the pump to facilitate dispensing. The system also features sensors and a user interface for controlled dispensing and minimal user interaction.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If traditional hand pump dispensers are used, then condiment dispensing is achieved, but cleaning becomes difficult due to long passageways and internal crevices
Solution Approach 1:
The pump is extracted as a separate, removable component from the dispenser body. This allows the pump to be easily removed for cleaning or replacement without disassembling the entire dispenser, directly addressing the cleaning difficulty caused by complex internal structures.
Solution Approach 2:
The dispenser system is segmented into distinct modules: the dispenser body, the removable pump, and the pouch. This segmentation allows each component to be independently cleaned or replaced, simplifying the overall maintenance process despite the complexity of individual components.
2Reliability
If manual cleaning of pumps is performed, then contamination is reduced, but maintenance resources and time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The pump is designed as a disposable component that can be easily replaced rather than thoroughly cleaned. This eliminates the time-consuming manual cleaning process while maintaining contamination prevention, as each new pump is sterile and ready for use.
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables self-service refilling where employees can quickly replace pumps and pouches without requiring extensive cleaning procedures. The simple replacement process reduces the skill level and time needed for maintenance while ensuring contamination prevention through sealed, pre-packaged components.
3Adaptability or versatility
If refilling involves disconnecting and reconnecting components, then new condiment can be loaded, but disconnection may result in loss of small components
Solution Approach 1:
The pump and pouch are merged into a single integrated assembly that is pre-connected and tested. This eliminates the need to disconnect and reconnect individual components during refilling, preventing loss of small parts while maintaining the ability to easily replace the entire assembly.
Solution Approach 2:
The pump and pouch are pre-assembled and pre-tested before being installed in the dispenser. This preliminary action ensures proper connection and component integrity, eliminating the risks associated with on-site disconnection and reconnection during the refilling process.
4Ease of manufacture
If condiment dispenser remains out of use during refilling, then refilling can be performed, but customer service time is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The pump and pouch assembly is extracted as a removable unit that can be replaced without opening or disabling the dispenser. This allows refilling to be performed quickly during minimal downtime, maintaining dispenser availability for customer service while enabling the refilling process.
Solution Approach 2:
The refilling process is streamlined to skip time-consuming steps such as thorough cleaning and complex disassembly. The simple replacement of pre-assembled pump-pouch units allows the refilling to be completed rapidly, minimizing the time the dispenser is out of service.
5Reliability
If sealed condiment storage is used, then contamination is prevented, but dispensing control becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The manual mechanical pump operation is replaced with an automated motor-driven pump system. This substitution maintains the sealed storage integrity while providing precise control over dispensing amounts, eliminating the need for complex manual sealing mechanisms and enabling accurate portion control.
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
The system allows for efficient and controlled dispensing of condiments, reducing contamination risks and simplifying maintenance. It also minimizes downtime during refilling and allows for precise control over condiment usage.
Implementation Method 1
a motor system that connects to the pump to facilitate dispensing
Data Source
AI summary
A multi-condiment dispenser is provided that is able to automatically meter and dispense various types of condiments to a user. The condiment dispenser includes a compartment into which condiment receptacles are removably inserted. The baskets include a compartment into which a condiment pouch containing condiment and a pump may be loaded. Baskets loaded with the condiment pouch and pump may be inserted into the condiment dispenser to connect a motor system of the condiment dispenser to the pump within the basket. The condiment dispenser operates the motor system connected to the basket to drive the pump of that basket to cause condiment to be dispensed from the condiment pouch of that basket to the user. The condiment dispenser operates the motor system corresponding to the basket containing the condiment selected by a user to dispense the selected condiment to the user.