Touchless food dispenser
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing food dispensing methods, such as packets and manual dispensers, are unsanitary due to physical contact, lead to food waste due to inconsistent dispensing, and are cumbersome for both employees and customers.
Innovation Solution
A touchless food dispenser that automatically dispenses food through removable nozzles, allowing users to select and dispense food without physical contact, and includes a nozzle replacement mechanism to maintain hygiene and consistency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If manual dispensing methods are used, then操作简单性 is improved, but 卫生性 deteriorates due to physical contact
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical dispensing with an automated pump system controlled by a controller. The pump mechanism dispenses food through a nozzle based on control signals, eliminating the need for users to physically touch or manually operate the dispenser, thus maintaining hygiene while preserving ease of use through automated control.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a removable nozzle as an intermediary component between the food storage container and the dispensing mechanism. The nozzle can be easily removed and replaced, acting as a barrier that protects the main dispenser body from contamination while allowing controlled food dispensing. This intermediary component solves the hygiene issue without complicating the operation.
2Device complexity
If fixed nozzles are used, then device complexity is reduced, but 卫生性 deteriorates due to contamination risk
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the nozzle from the main dispenser body, making it a removable and replaceable component. This segmentation allows the nozzle to be easily detached for cleaning or replacement without disassembling the entire dispenser, maintaining low device complexity while significantly improving hygiene by enabling frequent nozzle replacement to prevent contamination.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs disposable or frequently replaceable nozzles that can be discarded after use or when contaminated. These low-cost, short-lived components eliminate the need for complex cleaning mechanisms in the main dispenser body, maintaining simplicity while ensuring hygiene through regular replacement of the disposable nozzle components.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If automated dispensing is implemented, then 卫生性 is improved by eliminating contact, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex manual operating mechanisms with a simplified automated pump system controlled by a microcontroller. The pump is triggered by simple control signals (e.g., from buttons or sensors), automating the dispensing process to eliminate contact while keeping the overall system relatively simple through the use of standard automated components.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent designs the controller to handle multiple functions including dispensing control, nozzle replacement timing, and potentially user interface management, all through a single integrated control unit. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate complex mechanisms for each function, maintaining manageable device complexity while achieving automated hygienic dispensing.
Data Source
AI summary
A touchless food dispenser. The touchless food dispenser includes one or more types of food stored therein, one or more removable nozzles, and one or more nozzle replacement mechanisms. The touchless food dispenser is configured to dispense the food through the one or more removable nozzles. The one or more nozzle replacement mechanisms are configured to remove the one or more removable nozzles and replaces the one or more removable nozzles with a different removable nozzle.