Touchless Food Dispenser with Segmented Freshness Compartments
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Solution Overview
Problem
There is a need for an automatic dispenser of multiple food products that can maintain the freshness and crispiness of snacks for at least 24 hours, while also addressing the challenges of segregation from customers and pests, and independent operation from the container used for dispensing.
Innovation Solution
A touchless dispenser with a food zone comprising separate compartments to store and maintain the freshness of food products, equipped with sensors and a controller to automatically detect and respond to the presence of a container, the level of food products, and customer presence, allowing for touchless and efficient dispensing of fresh and crispy snacks.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If snacks are dispensed in bulk from a vending machine, then productivity and convenience are improved, but the snacks become soggy and stale when exposed to atmospheric conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The bulk food storage is divided into multiple separate compartments, each hermetically sealed and independently controlled. This segmentation allows the system to maintain bulk storage efficiency while preventing atmospheric exposure that causes staleness, as each compartment can be sealed until dispensing occurs.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs nitrogen flushing or vacuum sealing within each compartment to create an inert or low-oxygen atmosphere. This prevents oxidation and moisture absorption that lead to soggy and stale snacks, while still allowing bulk storage and automated dispensing operations.
2Productivity
If snacks are dispensed in bulk, then productivity is improved, but it becomes difficult to segregate and keep snacks from contact with customers and pests
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple sealed compartments physically segregate different snack types and isolate all snacks from customer contact and pest access. The automated dispensing system opens only the specific compartment needed, maintaining segregation while enabling efficient bulk dispensing operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The automated dispensing mechanism acts as an intermediary between the sealed compartments and the customer. It provides controlled access to snacks without requiring customers to contact the bulk storage directly, thus preventing contamination while maintaining productivity.
3Ease of operation
If a touchless dispensing system is implemented, then ease of operation and hygiene are improved, but device complexity increases due to multiple sensors and controllers
Solution Approach 1:
The controller is designed to perform multiple functions: detecting customer presence, identifying selected compartments, controlling dispensing mechanisms, and monitoring inventory levels across all compartments. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate specialized components, managing complexity while enabling touchless operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses sensors to automatically detect customer presence and preferences, then autonomously selects compartments and initiates dispensing without requiring physical contact or complex manual input. This self-service capability simplifies user interaction while the automated logic manages system complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
An automatic touchless dispenser capable of providing one or more crispy and fresh food products to customers independent of the type of food product or container.