Portioning device with interchangeable scoops
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing dispensing devices with oscillating wiper blades are complex in assembly and require multiple parts, and users need multiple devices for different dispensing capacities, making them inconvenient and costly.
Innovation Solution
A portioning device with an integrated handle, actuating lever, and rack, featuring a camming surface and detent mechanism that allows for easy assembly and interchangeability of scoops, reducing the number of components and simplifying the assembly process, enabling a single handle to be used with various scoops of different capacities.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a traditional dispensing device with oscillating wiper blade is assembled using multiple separate parts (handle, rod, gear, lever arm, spring, connector), then the device achieves proper mechanical function, but the assembly process becomes complicated and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple separate components (handle, lever arm, spring, and connector) into a single injection-molded monolithic handle unit. This integration eliminates the need for assembling multiple parts while maintaining the oscillating wiper blade mechanism's mechanical function, directly resolving the contradiction between reliability and assembly complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The monolithic handle unit performs multiple functions simultaneously: it provides structural support, acts as a spring through elastic deformation, serves as a lever arm, and integrates the connector. This multi-functionality reduces the number of parts and simplifies assembly while maintaining proper mechanical operation
2Device complexity
If the wiper blade is integrated into a monolithic handle unit using injection molding, then the number of parts is reduced, but the wiper blade still requires a separate rod and gear, and clocking orientation remains complicated
Solution Approach 1:
The patent further integrates the wiper blade shaft and gear teeth directly into the monolithic handle unit through injection molding, eliminating the need for separate rod and gear components. The wiper blade shaft is formed as an integral part of the handle, with gear teeth molded directly onto it, simplifying both parts count and assembly
Solution Approach 2:
The camming surface on the wiper blade shaft automatically performs the clocking orientation function during assembly. As the wiper blade assembly is inserted into the handle, the camming surface self-aligns and rotates the wiper blade to the correct angular position, eliminating the need for manual clocking and special tooling
3Measurement precision
If a dispensing device is manufactured to dispense a specific quantity, then it provides precise portion control, but users needing multiple capacities must purchase multiple discrete devices
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs the monolithic handle unit with a universal interface that can accommodate wiper blades of different capacities. The handle's aperture and internal features are configured to accept various scoop sizes, allowing a single handle to perform multiple dispensing functions, thereby resolving the contradiction between precision and versatility
Solution Approach 2:
The patent separates the dispensing device into interchangeable components: a universal monolithic handle and replaceable wiper blades with different scoop capacities. This segmentation allows users to mix and match handles with different-sized blades, providing multiple portion control options without requiring multiple complete devices
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The solution significantly reduces the complexity of assembly, allows for easy interchangeability of scoops, and enables a single handle to be reused with multiple scoop capacities, enhancing user convenience and reducing costs by eliminating the need for multiple devices.
Implementation Method 1
The wiping blade includes a shaft having a number of gear teeth, together with a camming surface leading to the first tooth on the shaft. Insertion of the scoop and wiping blade shaft into the handle aperture results in the camming surface rotating the wiping blade to the proper clocking position with the first tooth of the shaft engaged with the first tooth of the rack.
Implementation Method 2
A portioning device with an integrated handle, actuating lever, and rack with teeth
Data Source
AI summary
A portioning device includes an integrated handle, actuating lever, and rack with teeth, with the handle having an aperture at the top. The rack is formed to be easily placed, and retained, in an initial position for assembly. One or more scoops are provided which may each be detachably connected the handle top end. A wiping blade may be detachably connected to the scoop for free rotation within the scoop. The wiping blade includes a shaft having a number of gear teeth, together with a camming surface leading to the first tooth on the shaft. Insertion of the scoop and wiping blade shaft into the handle aperture results in the first rack tooth acting as a camming surface and rotating the wiping blade to the proper clocking position with the first tooth of the shaft engaged with the first tooth of the rack. In this manner the number of component parts is reduced significantly, while at the same time allowing for re-use of the handle with the various interchangeable scoops.