Modular Trough Receptacle for Machine-Cleanable Bakery Dispensers
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing dispensing devices for unpackaged baked goods face challenges in easy cleaning and hygiene due to bulky trough-like receptacles that are difficult to clean mechanically, requiring manual cleaning and risking contamination.
Innovation Solution
A modular trough-like receptacle system with interchangeable tub elements that can be assembled and disassembled for machine cleaning, featuring latching elements for easy assembly and a plug-in connection to prevent contamination, allowing for dimensions suitable for both retail display and dishwasher use.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If the trough-like receptacle is made as a single bulky element to achieve necessary dimensions for retail display, then the display capability is improved, but the cleaning capability deteriorates (requires manual cleaning only)
Solution Approach 1:
The trough-like receptacle is divided into multiple tub elements that can be disassembled from each other. Each individual tub element has reduced dimensions that allow it to be placed in machine cleaning systems, while when assembled they achieve the necessary overall dimensions for retail display requirements.
2Stability of the object's composition
If the trough-like receptacle is made as a single bulky element, then the structural integrity is improved, but the adaptability deteriorates (cannot be cleaned in machine cleaning systems)
Solution Approach 1:
The receptacle is segmented into multiple tub elements with connection elements that enable assembly and disassembly. This allows the system to adapt between machine cleaning mode (disassembled) and retail display mode (assembled), while connection elements maintain structural integrity during assembly.
Solution Approach 2:
The receptacle structure transitions from a static single-piece design to a dynamic modular system that can be assembled and disassembled. This dynamic capability enables the same components to serve multiple functions: machine cleaning when disassembled and retail display when assembled.
3Ease of operation
If the trough-like receptacle is designed as a modular assembly of multiple elements, then the cleaning capability is improved (can be cleaned in machines), but the device complexity increases (requires assembly and disassembly mechanisms)
Solution Approach 1:
The receptacle is divided into tub elements with integrated connection elements. The segmentation enables machine cleaning capability while the connection elements provide simple assembly and disassembly mechanisms that minimize the added complexity.
4Ease of operation
If the tub elements are designed with overlapping sections and latching elements for easy assembly, then the ease of operation is improved, but the manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The receptacle is segmented into tub elements with integrated connection elements. The segmentation enables machine cleaning capability while the connection elements provide simple assembly and disassembly mechanisms that minimize the added complexity.
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention relates to a trough-like receptacle (10) for a dispensing device (A) for unpackaged goods, in particular baked goods such as bread, rolls, or the like, wherein the trough-like receptacle (10) is formed in multiple parts from at least two trough elements (12) joined together in the assembled state. Furthermore, the present invention relates to a drawer-like insert (5) for a dispensing device (A) for unpackaged goods and to a dispensing device (A) for unpackaged goods, in particular baked goods such as bread, rolls, or the like.