Condiment dispensing apparatus, system, and methods of use
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current condiment dispensers in restaurants face challenges with difficult cleaning due to complex passageways and crevices, leading to contamination and resource-intensive maintenance, and refilling is cumbersome, causing prolonged dispenser downtime.
Innovation Solution
A condiment dispenser with a removable and replaceable cartridge system that allows easy refilling and cleaning, featuring a design with dishwasher-safe components and a fluid transfer system that can be easily disassembled for thorough cleaning.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a hand pump with long passageways and internal crevices is used for condiment dispensing, then the dispensing function is achieved, but the cleaning difficulty increases and contamination risk rises
Solution Approach 1:
The pump assembly is divided into separable components including the pump body, piston, seals, and housing. This segmentation allows each component to be independently removed and cleaned, eliminating the cleaning difficulties associated with integrated long passageways and internal crevices while maintaining the dispensing function.
2Ease of operation
If manual disassembly of the pump is performed for cleaning, then thorough cleaning may be achieved, but component loss risk increases and time consumption rises
Solution Approach 1:
The pump components are designed with pre-configured attachment and detachment mechanisms that guide proper assembly and disassembly. This preliminary design prevents component loss during cleaning while reducing the time required compared to manual disassembly of non-modular pumps.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the condiment dispenser is refilled by manually connecting pump to new condiment pouch, then refilling is achieved, but dispenser downtime increases and operation complexity rises
Solution Approach 1:
The system separates the condiment storage function (pouch/cartridge) from the dispensing function (pump assembly). This segmentation enables the pouch to be quickly replaced without disturbing the pump mechanism, significantly reducing refilling time and operational complexity while maintaining full refilling capability.
4Productivity
If the condiment pouch is left unsealed after dispensing, then continued dispensing is enabled, but contamination risk increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system automatically seals the condiment pouch when removed from the pump assembly through self-closing seals or snap-fit closures. This self-service sealing mechanism maintains condiment freshness and prevents contamination while allowing the dispenser to be refilled and reused, enabling continuous dispensing without compromising reliability.
Data Source
AI summary
In one aspect, a cartridge for containing condiment is provided. The cartridge includes a body having an inner substantially cylindrical surface for containing a fluid. The body has a first end defining an opening. The cartridge includes a plunger disposed within the body that is configured to slide axially within the body and to force fluid within the body toward the opening of the body. The cartridge includes a valve within the opening sealing the fluid within the body and permitting the fluid to exit the body.