Multi-chamber Calibration Cup for Simultaneous Dessert Dispensing
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing calibration methods for dessert products dispensed from machines are inefficient, as they require manual alignment and measurement of syrup to frozen mix ratios, lacking a practical solution for calibrating multiple products simultaneously.
Innovation Solution
A multi-chamber calibration cup with self-aligning features that attach to a product dispensing machine, allowing for hands-free operation and precise measurement of dessert dispensed volumes through graduated markings and target windows.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a graduated measuring cup is used with a diverter tube for manual calibration, then the syrup dispensing rate can be measured and adjusted, but the process requires manual alignment and is time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The calibration cup is divided into multiple independent chambers, each capable of receiving and measuring different syrup products simultaneously. This segmentation allows parallel calibration of multiple products, reducing total calibration time while maintaining precise measurement capabilities in each chamber.
Solution Approach 2:
The cup incorporates self-aligning features including alignment ribs that automatically position the cup correctly on the dispensing machine without requiring manual alignment by the technician. This self-alignment mechanism eliminates time-consuming manual positioning while ensuring accurate measurement alignment.
2Productivity
If a single-chamber calibration cup is used, then the cup structure is simple, but it cannot calibrate multiple products simultaneously
Solution Approach 1:
The cup is segmented into multiple chambers separated by internal partitions, allowing each chamber to independently receive and measure different syrup products. This structural segmentation enables simultaneous calibration of multiple products while maintaining a relatively simple overall cup design that follows conventional measuring cup geometry.
Solution Approach 2:
The multi-chamber cup serves multiple calibration functions simultaneously, with each chamber capable of measuring different syrup products. This multi-functionality increases calibration throughput without requiring multiple separate calibration cups or complex external measurement systems.
3Measurement precision
If manual alignment is required for the calibration cup, then the alignment can be precisely adjusted, but the operation becomes complex and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The cup features self-aligning mechanisms including alignment ribs that automatically engage with corresponding features on the dispensing machine platform. When the cup is placed on the machine, these ribs guide the cup into the correct position without requiring manual alignment adjustments, thereby maintaining precise alignment while simplifying the operation to a simple placement action.
Solution Approach 2:
The alignment ribs are pre-positioned on the cup body during manufacturing, establishing the correct alignment geometry before the cup is ever used. This preliminary configuration ensures that when the cup is placed on the dispensing machine, the alignment is automatically achieved without requiring any field adjustment or complex positioning procedures.
Data Source
AI summary
A calibration cup for use in calibrating a quantity of a dessert dispensed from a product dispensing machine includes a body portion having an interior cavity, the interior cavity including a first chamber adjacent to at least a second chamber being disposed along a longitudinal width of the body portion, the first and the at least one second chamber being configured for receiving a quantity of the dessert from the product dispensing machine; and at least one opening on the body portion, the at least one opening being configured for receiving a nozzle coupled to the product dispensing machine; where the body portion is configured for self-aligning the first chamber and the at least a second chamber to the product dispensing machine.