Multi-Stage Dispenser Assembly for Variable-Viscosity Drink Flow
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing frozen drink makers face challenges in efficiently dispensing both low-viscosity and high-viscosity drink products without splashing or flow impediments, necessitating a dispenser assembly that accommodates varying viscosities.
Innovation Solution
A dispenser assembly with a lever and cam mechanism that provides multi-stage dispensing operations, allowing for controlled opening and closing of the spout through varying resistances and seal movements, enabling adjustable flow rates for different viscosities.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a single-stage dispensing mechanism is used, then the device complexity is low, but it cannot accommodate both low-viscosity and high-viscosity drink products effectively
Solution Approach 1:
The dispensing mechanism is divided into two distinct stages: a first stage for low-viscosity products and a second stage for high-viscosity products. Each stage has its own seal position and flow control characteristics, allowing the system to handle different viscosity ranges effectively without requiring a completely different dispensing mechanism for each product type.
Solution Approach 2:
The seal is made movable between different positions (first seal position and second seal position) to dynamically adjust the opening size and flow characteristics. This dynamic adjustment allows the same dispensing assembly to adapt to both low-viscosity and high-viscosity products by changing the seal position based on the product being dispensed.
2Productivity
If the spout is fully opened for high-viscosity drinks, then the flow rate is sufficient, but low-viscosity drinks may splash or spread out
Solution Approach 1:
The seal is designed with different local characteristics at different positions. At the first seal position, the seal creates a smaller opening that constrains the flow, preventing splashing for low-viscosity drinks. At the second seal position, the seal creates a larger opening that allows sufficient flow for high-viscosity drinks without creating harmful effects.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If the spout is partially opened for low-viscosity drinks, then splashing is prevented, but high-viscosity drinks may flow too slowly
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts the seal position based on the product viscosity. For low-viscosity drinks, the seal is positioned to create a smaller opening that prevents splashing while maintaining adequate flow control. For high-viscosity drinks, the seal is repositioned to create a larger opening that ensures sufficient flow rate, thus dynamically optimizing performance for different product types.
4Adaptability or versatility
If a fixed seal position is used, then the device complexity is low, but it cannot provide controlled flow rates for different viscosities
Solution Approach 1:
The seal is designed to be movable between multiple positions rather than fixed, allowing dynamic adjustment of the opening size. This dynamic capability enables controlled flow rates for different viscosities by simply moving the seal to the appropriate position, providing adaptability without requiring a completely complex redesign of the dispensing mechanism.
Data Source
AI summary
A dispenser assembly is provided with a lever, a cam, and a seal. The lever is configured to be pulled by a user a first distance to a first position. The lever is further configured to be pulled by the user a second distance to a second position. The cam is configured to provide a first resistance to pulling the lever when the lever is pulled over the first distance to the first position. The cam is further configured to provide a second resistance to pulling the lever when the lever is pulled over the second distance to the second position. The seal is configured to be moved in response to movement of the lever and the cam. The seal partly opens a spout of the drink maker when the lever is in the first position and fully opens the spout when the lever is in the second position.