Sealed Food Dispenser With Self-Cleaning and Variable Overrun Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing food dispensing systems require complicated cleaning processes and lack dynamic control of product overrun.
Innovation Solution
A sealed and pressurized food dispensing system with a refrigerated ingredient storage compartment, a pump, pressure block, and gas control valve, along with a self-cleaning dispenser featuring a movable valve element and electronic controller for dynamic control of product overrun and automated cleaning.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If conventional food dispensing systems are used, then product dispensing is achieved, but cleaning processes are complicated and manual intervention is required
Solution Approach 1:
The system automatically circulates cleaning solution through the dispensing mechanism and product container via the pump and fluid lines, enabling self-cleaning without manual disassembly or complex external cleaning equipment. The controller activates the pump to circulate cleaning solution through the same pathways used for product dispensing.
Solution Approach 2:
The fluid pump and circulation system serve dual functions: dispensing product during normal operation and circulating cleaning solution during cleaning cycles. The same fluid lines, pump, and control system are used for both product handling and cleaning, eliminating the need for separate cleaning equipment.
2Adaptability or versatility
If conventional dispensing systems are used, then product dispensing is achieved, but control of product overrun is limited and not dynamically adjustable
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts the amount of air mixed with the product using a variable speed pump or adjustable flow control valve. The controller can modify the pump speed or valve position in real-time based on desired product characteristics, enabling dynamic overrun control rather than fixed settings.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses sensors to monitor product characteristics such as density, flow rate, or volume dispensed, and feeds this information back to the controller. The controller then adjusts the air mixing ratio or pump operation to achieve target product properties, enabling precise and adaptable overrun control.
3Reliability
If sealed and pressurized dispensing is implemented, then product freshness is maintained, but pressure control complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses a pump to create and control positive pressure within the sealed product container and dispensing pathways. The pump acts as both a product transfer device and a pressure control mechanism, eliminating the need for separate pressure regulation equipment while maintaining product freshness through sealing.
4Productivity
If manual cleaning processes are used, then system simplicity is maintained, but cleaning efficiency and hygiene standards decrease
Solution Approach 1:
The system automatically performs cleaning by circulating cleaning solution through the dispensing mechanism and product container using the pump, eliminating the need for manual disassembly and cleaning. This self-cleaning capability significantly improves cleaning efficiency and consistency while maintaining system simplicity.
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
Enables efficient, automated cleaning and precise control of product characteristics, such as consistency and texture, while maintaining food freshness and hygiene.
Implementation Method 1
a pump positioned within the refrigerated ingredient storage compartment, the pump having an inlet and an outlet
Implementation Method 2
a gas control valve having an input coupled to a source of pressurized gas and an outlet
Implementation Method 3
a first pressure transducer coupled to the pressure block and configured to provide a signal corresponding to the pressure within the interior passage
Implementation Method 4
a refrigerated ingredient storage compartment positioned below the freezing barrel
Data Source
AI summary
A refrigerated food processing and dispensing apparatus including a freezing barrel, the freezing barrel having an inlet port; a refrigerated ingredient storage compartment; a pump having an inlet and an outlet; a pressure block positioned within the refrigerated ingredient storage compartment that includes a fluid inlet, a gas inlet, an interior passage in fluid communication with the fluid inlet and the gas inlet and an outlet in fluid communication with the interior passage, and a first pressure transducer coupled to the pressure block and configured to provide a signal corresponding to the pressure within the interior passage; a gas control valve having an input coupled to a source of pressurized gas and an outlet; and a gas check-valve positioned within the refrigerated ingredient storage compartment having an input fluidly coupled to the outlet of the gas control valve and an output fluidly coupled to the pressure block gas input.