Multi-Container Dispensing Apparatus for Simultaneous Material Mixing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing dispensing apparatuses for bulk materials are slow and inefficient, dispensing materials one by one, which impairs production capacity and limits the ability to form multiple material mixtures simultaneously.
Innovation Solution
A dispensing apparatus with multiple containers and receivers, a conveyor track for moving receivers between containers, and a control system for simultaneous dispensing of material components based on predetermined compositions, allowing for efficient and simultaneous formation of multiple material mixtures.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If prior art dispensing apparatuses dispense materials one by one, then the structure is simple, but the productivity is low
Solution Approach 1:
The dispensing apparatus is divided into multiple independent dispensing units (first dispensing container, second dispensing container, etc.) each capable of dispensing different materials. This segmentation allows parallel operation of multiple dispensing sites, significantly increasing productivity while maintaining manageable complexity through modular design
Solution Approach 2:
The invention transitions from sequential one-dimensional dispensing to parallel multi-dimensional dispensing by arranging multiple dispensing containers and receivers in spatial configuration. The conveyor track system enables simultaneous dispensing at multiple locations along the conveyor path, transforming the process from linear to parallel operation
2Loss of time
If prior art apparatuses dispense materials one by one, then the device complexity is low, but the loss of time is high
Solution Approach 1:
The conveyor track enables continuous movement of receivers through the dispensing system, eliminating idle time between dispensing operations. Multiple dispensing containers operate simultaneously and continuously, ensuring that the useful action of material dispensing occurs without interruption or waiting periods
Solution Approach 2:
Materials are pre-loaded into multiple dispensing containers before the dispensing process begins. The control system pre-configures the dispensing sequence and parameters. This preliminary preparation eliminates setup time during production and allows immediate high-speed dispensing operations
3Productivity
If prior art apparatuses dispense materials sequentially, then the device complexity is low, but the productivity is low
Solution Approach 1:
The control system receives feedback from sensors detecting receiver position, material flow status, and dispensing completion. This feedback enables real-time coordination of multiple dispensing containers, adjusting their operation to maintain optimal productivity while managing system complexity through intelligent control algorithms
Solution Approach 2:
The control system serves multiple functions: coordinating multiple dispensing containers, managing conveyor track operation, monitoring material flow, and controlling the timing of dispensing operations. This multi-functionality consolidates control complexity into a single integrated system rather than requiring separate control mechanisms for each function
4Loss of time
If prior art apparatuses use single dispensing container, then the device complexity is low, but the loss of time is high
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple dispensing containers are merged into a single integrated dispensing system sharing common infrastructure including the conveyor track, control system, and receiver handling mechanisms. This merging approach reduces overall system complexity compared to separate independent dispensing systems while achieving parallel dispensing capability
Data Source
Figure 1
AI summary
The invention relates to a dispensing apparatus and to a dispensing method for forming a mixture of materials, wherein at least one material component is dispensed at a dispensing site from a dispensing container (1) into a receiver (11) to form a mixture of materials. The dispensing apparatus comprises more than one dispensing container (1) and more than one receiver (11), and at least one conveyor track (5) for moving the receiver. The receivers (11) are arranged to move by means of the conveyor track (5) to the dispensing sites, and further to a predetermined position after the last dispensing container. The dispensing apparatus comprises a control system (8) for controlling dispensing of predetermined material components from the dispensing containers (1) into the receiver (11), and for controlling dispensing of at least two receivers (11) simultaneously. In addition, the invention relates to a use of the apparatus.