Reusable Tube Dispensing Machine for Zero-Waste Frozen Confectionary
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Solution Overview
Problem
The dispensing of frozen confectionary products is limited by operator speed and generates significant waste due to separate containers for flavors, sauces, and toppings, as well as packaging materials.
Innovation Solution
A dispensing machine that uses reusable tubes for frozen confectionary products, allowing for automated preparation and dispensing without packaging waste, featuring temperature zones and a robotic arm for efficient tube handling and refilling.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple separate containers are used for different frozen confectionary flavors, sauces, and toppings, then product variety and customization are improved, but waste generation and device complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple separate containers for different flavors, sauces, and toppings into a single integrated cartridge containing all components. This consolidation eliminates the need for multiple separate packaging containers while maintaining the ability to provide diverse frozen confectionary products with multiple flavors and toppings, directly reducing packaging waste while preserving product variety.
Solution Approach 2:
The single cartridge is designed to serve multiple functions by containing different frozen confectionary components (flavors, sauces, toppings) that can be dispensed separately or combined. This multi-functional cartridge replaces multiple specialized containers, reducing waste while maintaining adaptability for creating various product combinations.
2Ease of operation
If manual preparation by operator is used, then flexibility in product customization is improved, but dispensing speed and productivity decrease
Solution Approach 1:
The dispensing machine is designed to automatically perform the customization and dispensing process without requiring manual operator intervention. The system self-regulates by receiving customer input, automatically selecting and dispensing the appropriate combinations of flavors, sauces, and toppings from the cartridge, thereby maintaining customization flexibility while dramatically increasing dispensing speed and productivity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the manual mechanical preparation process with an automated mechanical dispensing system. The machine uses automated mechanisms to retrieve, dispense, and combine different frozen confectionary components based on customer selections, eliminating the need for manual preparation while preserving customization options and significantly improving dispensing speed.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If wrapping and packaging materials are used for frozen confectionary products, then product protection and hygiene are improved, but environmental sustainability and waste reduction worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a reusable cartridge system that can be emptied, cleaned, and refilled with new frozen confectionary components. Instead of discarding single-use packaging materials after one product is dispensed, the cartridge is recovered and reused for multiple dispensing cycles, thereby maintaining product protection and hygiene while significantly reducing environmental waste.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the lifecycle parameter of the packaging from single-use to multi-use through the reusable cartridge design. The cartridge undergoes parameter changes in its usage cycle (filling, dispensing, emptying, cleaning, refilling) that extend its service life and reduce waste, while still providing necessary product protection and hygiene during each dispensing operation.
Data Source
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AI summary
A dispensing machine for dispensing a frozen confectionary product, the machine comprising: a first storage area for storing a first storage tray with one or more first tubes in the dispensing machine, a serving station for receiving one or more first tubes comprising a composition that is a frozen confectionary from the first storage tray. The serving station comprises a first position under the one or more first tubes for receiving a container, a means for extruding the frozen confectionary out of the tubes located in the serving station, a cutting device for cutting at least a portion of the frozen confectionary into the container. The dispensing machines further comprises means for transferring the one or more first tubes in the first storage area to the serving station and from the serving station to a storage area, and wherein the one or more first tubes are reusable; and at least two zones, the at least two zones comprising a first zone wherein the temperature is lower than the temperature in the second zone, and wherein the first storage area is located in the first zone and the serving station is located in the second zone.