Powder Holder Assembly With Shut-Off Valve for Controlled Dispensing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing drink preparation systems for instant drinks face issues with uncontrolled dispensing of powdered ingredients due to inadequate shut-off mechanisms, leading to spilt powder and potential damage or contamination.
Innovation Solution
A holder assembly with a conveyor screw, outflow channel, threshold plate, and a shut-off valve that can be moved back and forth, where the shut-off body is positioned to actively push back powdered ingredients and prevent them from entering the mixing unit, combined with a rotatable outflow system for easy maintenance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a conventional shut-off valve (rotatable part or slide) is used to shut off the outflow channel, then the outlet can be closed, but powdered ingredient accumulates against the shut-off member forming a straight plane that causes uncontrolled dispensing when opened
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of having the shut-off body form a straight plane perpendicular to the outflow direction (conventional design), the invention inverts the approach by creating a curved surface that follows the natural flow path of the powder. The shut-off body is designed with a curved front surface that matches the contour of the accumulated powder, allowing controlled release when opened while maintaining reliable shut-off capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the geometric parameters of the shut-off body from a straight plane to a curved surface. This parameter change allows the shut-off member to interact with the powder accumulation in a different manner, preventing the formation of a straight plane that would slide off uncontrollably. The curved geometry modifies how powder is retained and released, solving the uncontrolled dispensing issue.
2Ease of operation
If the outflow system is made rotatable for easy maintenance, then the system can be easily disassembled, but accidental detachment of powder from accumulation causes powder to enter the mixing unit
Solution Approach 1:
The invention applies preliminary action by providing a guide structure that pre-position and secure the powder accumulation before the outflow system is rotated for maintenance. The guide structure ensures powder is properly contained and oriented, preventing accidental detachment during the rotation operation. This preliminary positioning action eliminates the harmful effect of powder detaching during maintenance activities.
3Object-generated harmful factors
If the shut-off valve is left closed to prevent powder spill, then powder containment is improved, but the conveyor screw cannot convey powder and components may break or powder takes wrong escape route
Solution Approach 1:
The invention implements self-service by designing the shut-off valve with an automatic opening mechanism that detects when the conveyor screw is operating. The system automatically opens the valve in coordination with conveyor operation, eliminating the need for manual intervention. This self-regulating mechanism ensures the valve is open during conveying (preventing component breakage) and can close during idle periods (preventing powder spill), resolving the contradiction through automated adaptive control.
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 effectively minimizes uncontrolled dispensing of powdered ingredients, reduces the risk of accidental powder entry into the mixing unit, and allows for precise measurement and easy maintenance by ensuring the shut-off valve can be easily opened by the conveyor screw's propelling force.
Implementation Method 1
the conveyor screw (6) conveys a powdered ingredient (4) in a downstream direction (R) of the outflow channel (7)
Implementation Method 2
the shut-off body (11) and the threshold plate (9) together shut off the outflow channel (7)
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a holder assembly (1) for a powdered ingredient (4) for preparing an instant drink. The assembly comprises a holder, a conveyor screw (6), an outflow channel (7) provided on the holder for dispensing ingredient (1), a threshold plate (9) extending into the outflow channel (7), and also a shut-off valve (10) for shutting off the outflow channel (7). The shut-off valve (10) comprises a shut-off body (11) which can be moved back and forth in the longitudinal direction of the conveyor screw (6) between a release position and a shut-off position. In the release position the shut-off body (11) is located downstream of the threshold plate (9), set apart therefrom. In the shut-off position the shut-off body (11) is located next to the threshold plate (9) in such a way that the shut-off body (11) and the threshold plate (9) together shut off the shut-off channel (7). The invention further relates to a drink preparation means comprising a holder assembly (1) according to the invention.