Rotating Chute Bulk Dispenser for Jam-Free One-Handed Use
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing bulk product dispensing systems are difficult to use, often requiring two-handed operation and can result in product wastage due to jamming and maintenance issues, with elevated containers posing safety and access challenges.
Innovation Solution
A dispensing apparatus with a chute mechanism that can be rotated to open and close automatically, assisted by an agitating means and extendable arms for easy refilling, allowing for one-handed operation and reduced maintenance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If gravity dispensing is used, then product flow is simplified, but product may not dispense reliably requiring manual agitation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a movable chute that can be rotated between a closed position (blocking product flow) and an open position (allowing product flow). This dynamic element transforms a static gravity dispensing system into one that can control flow reliably without complex mechanical agitation devices.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention extracts the flow control function from complex mechanical agitation mechanisms and implements it through a simple rotatable chute that uses gravity and manual rotation to control product dispensing. This removes the need for complicated agitating means while maintaining reliable flow.
2Reliability
If manual agitation is used, then product flow is improved, but damage to apparatus is likely to occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces harsh mechanical agitation (shaking/thumping) with a gentler mechanism: rotating a chute to gravity-feed product. This substitution maintains reliable product flow while eliminating the damaging forces that threatened apparatus durability.
3Ease of operation
If mechanical agitation is combined with gate sealing, then dispensing control is improved, but jamming problems increase
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts the gate sealing function and replaces it with a rotatable chute that controls product flow through its position alone. This eliminates the interaction between gate mechanisms and agitating devices that caused jamming, while maintaining dispensing control through the chute's rotational position.
4Reliability
If elevated container position is used, then gravity dispensing is assisted, but safety and access problems occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an extendable arm with adjustable positioning that allows the dispensing apparatus to be moved to convenient heights. This dynamic positioning system maintains gravity-assisted dispensing while eliminating safety and access issues associated with fixed elevated positions.
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 simplifies operation, reduces wastage, and enhances safety by enabling easy refilling and maintenance, while minimizing jamming and maintenance costs.
Implementation Method 1
the chute means is biasedly attached to the containing means to allow the chute to automatically return to a closed position after being used to dispense product
Implementation Method 2
Some bulk food product dispensing apparatus merely rely on gravity to allow food to drop down to be dispensed
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
A dispensing apparatus for gravity feeding of a dispensable product includes containing means and dispensing means. The containing means is adapted to contain the dispensable product and is operatively connected to the dispensing means whereby the dispensing means includes a chute means. Rotation of the chute means can cause the dispensable product to be able to be dispensed.