Contactless condiment dispenser
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Solution Overview
Problem
There is a need for a condiment delivery system that minimizes human contact with surfaces to reduce the spread of bacteria and germs, particularly in public settings like restaurants, while being economical for food service providers, as individual condiment packages are costly.
Innovation Solution
An automated, touchless condiment dispensing system that uses sensors to detect a consumer's hand or dispensing receptacle, allowing for contactless dispensing of a preset amount of condiment, which can be controlled via a user interface and may be mounted or free-standing, using a pump and tubing system to deliver condiments from internal or external reservoirs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If traditional condiment dispensing surfaces are used, then consumers can access condiments, but bacteria and germs spread through human contact with surfaces
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical dispensing with an automated pump system controlled by sensors. The pump assembly delivers condiments through tubing without requiring consumers to touch the dispenser surface, eliminating the mechanical contact that spreads bacteria while maintaining easy access through automatic activation upon detection of a container.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary automated dispensing mechanism between the consumer and the condiment reservoir. The sensor-detected container triggers the pump to deliver condiments through tubing, serving as a mediator that provides condiment access without direct human contact with the dispenser surface, thus preventing bacterial transmission.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If individual condiment packages are provided to consumers, then bacterial transmission is minimized, but the cost for food service providers increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a self-service automated dispensing system where the pump assembly automatically delivers condiments when a container is detected, eliminating the need for individual pre-packaged condiments. This reduces costs for food service providers while maintaining hygiene by preventing human contact with the dispensing mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the expensive individual packaging system with a centralized automated dispensing system. The pump and tubing mechanism provides on-demand condiment delivery to multiple containers, reducing material costs while maintaining the hygienic benefits of non-contact dispensing.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If touchless dispensing is implemented, then hygiene is improved, but device complexity increases due to sensors and automated mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates multiple functions into a single compact dispenser unit: the sensor detects containers, the pump assembly delivers condiments, and the system is mounted on various surfaces. This multi-functionality achieves touchless hygienic dispensing without requiring separate complex systems for each function, thereby managing overall device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses the container itself as an intermediary element that triggers the dispensing mechanism. When the sensor detects the container, it automatically activates the pump, using the container as a mediator to initiate the hygienic touchless dispensing process without requiring additional complex user interface components.
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 system reduces the risk of bacterial transmission by eliminating direct contact with surfaces, is cost-effective for providers, and allows for easy cleaning, as it automatically dispenses condiments without user interaction, ensuring hygiene and operational efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
uses sensors to detect a consumer's hand or dispensing receptacle
Implementation Method 2
using a pump and tubing system to deliver condiments from internal or external reservoirs
Data Source
AI summary
A touchless condiment dispensing system includes a top lid; a dispensing system housing, the top lid allowing a condiment to be loaded into the dispensing system housing; a display screen to display operational aspects of the touchless condiment dispensing system; and a tray to capture drippage or spillage of the condiment after dispensing. The touchless condiment dispensing system includes a condiment serving space, the condiment serving space between the dispending system housing and the tray, and configured to allow a user to place a dispensing cup in the condiment serving space. The touchless condiment dispensing system further includes a base assembly in which the tray rests; and/or a dispensing support housing, the dispending support housing to connect the dispensing system housing to the base assembly.