Touch free spice dispenser
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing spice dispensers require manual operation, leading to potential contamination and inefficiency in food preparation, especially when handling raw food, as they need to be touched by hands that may not be properly sanitized.
Innovation Solution
A touch-free spice dispenser system that includes sensors to detect the presence of a target food item or user's hand, activating a motor to automatically dispense spices without physical contact, using a support assembly to suspend the dispenser above the food item and incorporating various sensor types such as infrared, motion, and audio sensors for activation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If manual operation of spice dispenser is used, then ease of operation is maintained, but contamination risk increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical operation with an automated sensor-triggered system. Infrared or motion sensors detect the presence of a hand or food item, automatically activating the motor to dispense spices. This eliminates the need for direct hand contact with the dispenser body, resolving the contradiction between maintaining operational simplicity and reducing contamination risk.
Solution Approach 2:
The spice dispenser is designed to activate automatically upon detecting a user's presence or hand gesture. The system serves itself by using environmental sensors to trigger the dispensing mechanism without requiring manual button pressing or direct contact, thereby maintaining ease of use while preventing contamination.
2Reliability
If touch-free activation is implemented, then contamination risk is reduced, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces sensor modules (infrared or motion sensors) and a control circuit to replace manual operation. While this increases component count, the added complexity is minimal and focused solely on the activation mechanism. The core dispensing mechanism remains unchanged, allowing the system to achieve touch-free operation with limited additional complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses sensors as intermediary devices between the user and the dispenser mechanism. The sensor detects hand presence or gestures and translates this into an electrical signal that triggers the motor. This intermediary layer enables touch-free activation without requiring complex direct control systems.
3Productivity
If automatic sensor activation is used, then operational efficiency is improved, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor system operates in a periodic or event-driven manner rather than continuously. The infrared or motion sensor activates only when it detects a hand or food item in its detection zone, triggering the motor for a brief dispensing cycle. This periodic operation significantly reduces energy consumption compared to continuous operation, while maintaining high operational efficiency during actual use.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual activation with automated sensor-triggered activation. The sensor system consumes minimal power by remaining in a low-power state until triggered. When activation is needed, the motor runs only for the duration required to dispense the spice, optimizing the balance between productivity and energy consumption.
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
Reduces the risk of contamination by eliminating direct hand contact with the dispenser and enhances efficiency in food preparation by allowing hands-free spice dispensing, ensuring fresh spices are applied accurately and hygienically.
Implementation Method 1
A sensor may be actuated by the presence of part of the body of a user, for example a hand of the user
Implementation Method 2
A sensor may be actuated by the presence of part of the body of a user
Implementation Method 3
incorporating various sensor types such as infrared, motion, and audio sensors for activation
Data Source
AI summary
A touch free, spice dispenser is provided including a container for holding spices, a holder for supporting the container on an external support, a grinding mechanism and a sensor for activating the grinding mechanism in response to the presence of an object. The container has an open end and a closed end. The holder includes an end cap for support of the container, a hook for engagement with a support member and a strap extending between the hook and the end cap. The grinding mechanism is positioned in the end cap of the holder and is in electrical communication with a contact pad located on the hook. The grinding mechanism includes a grinder plate and a motor to rotate the grinder plate in response to a signal received from the sensor. Holes in the grinder plate and apertures in the end cap allow for passage of the spices out of the dispenser. A support assembly is also provided for supporting the dispenser above a food item.