Portion-Control Dry Product Dispenser With Ratcheting Indexing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing dry product dispensers lack flexibility in adjusting the portion volume and require manual adjustments for loading and dispensing, limiting their adaptability to different usage requirements in food service facilities.
Innovation Solution
A dispenser with multiple replaceable portion control devices and a ratcheting handle that allows simultaneous indexing of loading and dispensing positions, enabling precise control over the volume of granulated products dispensed without the need for fasteners, using a loading and dispensing member with arcuate outer surfaces and interconnected ramp surfaces for smooth operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a single portion control member is used in the dispenser, then the dispenser can dispense a known selected portion volume, but the dispenser lacks flexibility to adjust to different portion volume requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The portion control mechanism is segmented into multiple individual portion control members (first portion control member, second portion control member, etc.), each defining a different selected portion volume. This allows the system to offer multiple portion sizes without requiring a complex adjustable mechanism, as each segment handles a specific portion volume independently.
Solution Approach 2:
The dispenser is designed with multiple portion control members that can collectively serve different portion volume requirements. The loading and dispensing member can be positioned to align different portion control members with the discharge spout, enabling the single dispenser to fulfill multiple portion size needs across various scenarios.
2Productivity
If manual adjustments are required for loading and dispensing operations, then the dispenser structure can be simpler, but the operation efficiency and productivity are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The loading and dispensing operations are merged into a single coordinated action. The loading and dispensing member simultaneously performs both functions - loading granulated product into portion control members and positioning them for dispensing. This integration eliminates separate manual adjustment steps and improves operational efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The portion control members are pre-configured with specific portion volumes during the loading phase. The loading and dispensing member positions and prepares multiple portion control members in advance, so that when dispensing is needed, the operation can proceed quickly without requiring manual adjustment at the moment of dispensing.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple portion control members are used with replaceable design, then the versatility and adaptability of the dispenser is improved, but the device complexity and potential for errors increases
Solution Approach 1:
The dispenser design allows the portion control members to be self-contained and replaceable without requiring complex installation procedures. Each portion control member is designed to be independently inserted and positioned, reducing the risk of installation errors. The system provides clear alignment features that guide proper placement, maintaining operational reliability even with multiple replaceable components.
Data Source
AI summary
A dispenser is provided for use in dispensing a selected volume of granulated dry product. The dispenser includes a main body having a discharge opening, an open interior for holding a supply of the granulated product and a discharge spout for dispensing the granulated product. A loading and dispensing member is constructed with spaced apart receiving cavities, and is movably mounted between the discharge opening and the discharge spout. A portion control device defining one selected portion volume is received and retained in each receiving cavity, and is replaceable with a different portion control device having a different portion control volume. A handle is frictionally engaged with the loading and dispensing member to enable rotation of the handle with or relative to the loading and dispensing member to sequentially control loading and dispensing of granulated product from the portion control device.