Automated Topping Dispenser with Advancing Pin Mechanism

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Solution Overview

Problem

The labor-intensive process of customizing hamburgers and sandwiches requires human input, leading to potential mishandling and incorrect orders, and existing systems lack efficiency in dispensing toppings on demand.

Innovation Solution

A system comprising a base, hopper platform, hoppers, retaining plate, blade, and hopper-advancing pin, which allows for automated dispensing of toppings onto vehicles by moving the retaining plate and blade relative to the hoppers, enabling precise slicing and dispensing of toppings based on orders.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If human input is used to build custom hamburgers and sandwiches, then customization flexibility is improved, but labor intensity increases and errors may occur

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecustomization flexibilityVSAvoidlabor intensity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The system enables self-service automation where the automated topping dispenser performs the topping application task independently based on digital order specifications, eliminating the need for manual human intervention in the topping dispensing process while maintaining customization flexibility through programmable control

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

2Adaptability or versatility

If human input is used to build custom hamburgers and sandwiches, then customization flexibility is improved, but error rate increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecustomization flexibilityVSAvoidorder accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical manual topping application process with an automated mechanical dispensing system controlled by digital signals, where precise motor control and programmable logic eliminate human error in topping application while maintaining the ability to handle custom orders

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Productivity

If automated topping dispensing is implemented, then productivity is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveassembly speedVSAvoidsystem complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The automated topping dispensing system is divided into separate functional modules including individual hopper assemblies for different toppings, independent blade mechanisms, and separate retaining plate components, allowing each module to be simplified and maintained independently while achieving overall automation

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The retaining plate serves multiple functions within the system: it acts as a support structure for the blade, a retention mechanism for toppings, and a positioning element for the hopper brackets, reducing the need for additional separate components and simplifying the overall device structure

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

4Productivity

If multiple hoppers are moved simultaneously, then productivity is improved, but mechanism complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesimultaneous assembly capabilityVSAvoidhopper advancement mechanism

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Multiple hopper brackets are mechanically linked through the retaining plate structure, allowing them to be advanced and positioned simultaneously through a single retaining plate movement action rather than requiring separate independent mechanisms for each hopper

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The retaining plate acts as an intermediary mechanical link between the hopper brackets and the blade assembly, transmitting movement and positioning forces to multiple hoppers simultaneously through its structural configuration, thereby enabling coordinated movement without complex individual control mechanisms

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentUS11185105B2System and method for dispensing toppings

Publication Date: 2021.11.30 CREATOR INC

AI summary

A system for dispensing toppings onto a topping vehicle may include a hopper platform, hoppers, a retaining plate, a blade, and a hopper-advancing pin. The hoppers each include a hopper bracket slidably engaging the hopper platform. The blade is mounted on the retaining plate and may reciprocate relative to the retaining plate. The hopper-advancing pin is movable relative to the hoppers between deployed and stowed positions. The hopper-advancing pin may engage one of the hopper brackets in the deployed position such that movement of the retaining plate between retracted and extended positions causes movement of the hopper bracket and a respective hopper along a length of the hopper platform. The hopper-advancing pin may be disengaged from the hopper brackets in the deployed stowed position to allow movement of the retaining plate between the retracted and extended positions without causing movement of the hopper brackets.