Utensil dispenser
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing utensil distribution methods, such as placing utensils in canisters, expose them to germs and dirt, and are inefficient in maximizing the number of utensils stored and dispensed.
Innovation Solution
A utensil dispenser with a reservoir, gravity feed ramp, and actuator mechanism that allows for single-piece dispensing while keeping the head portions of utensils protected, using pedestals and detents to manage utensil placement and release.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If utensils are placed in a canister for distribution, then utensils can be stored and dispensed, but the utensil head portions are exposed to germs and dirt in the environment
Solution Approach 1:
The utensil storage system is segmented into two distinct zones: a protected reservoir for storing utensils with heads facing inward away from the environment, and an exposed dispensing area where only handle portions are accessible. This segmentation allows the utensil heads to remain protected while handles are available for dispensing.
Solution Approach 2:
A pedestal structure acts as an intermediary mechanism between the protected reservoir and the external environment. The pedestal supports the utensils in the reservoir and provides a surface where dispensed utensils rest after being released, serving as a transition zone that maintains protection during the dispensing process.
2Quantity of substance
If a maximum number of utensils are fitted in each cup, then storage capacity is maximized, but the process becomes time consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The system employs self-service mechanisms including gravity feed that automatically moves utensils from the reservoir to the dispensing area, and spring-loaded actuators that automatically release utensils when handles are pulled. This eliminates the need for manual intervention to fit and dispense each utensil, maximizing both storage capacity and dispensing speed.
Solution Approach 2:
Utensils are pre-positioned in the reservoir with their heads facing inward and handles extending toward the dispensing area. This preliminary arrangement allows utensils to be readily available for dispensing without requiring time-consuming manual placement or reconfiguration during the dispensing process.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If utensils are protected from the environment, then hygiene is maintained, but access to utensils for dispensing is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The utensil structure is effectively segmented into two functional zones: the protected head portion stored in the reservoir and the exposed handle portion available for access. This segmentation allows the utensil to maintain protection where needed while providing access where required.
Solution Approach 2:
The pedestal serves as an intermediary that facilitates access to utensil handles without compromising the protection of utensil heads. When a utensil is dispensed, the pedestal supports the transition from the protected reservoir environment to the external dispensing area, allowing easy access to handles while maintaining head protection.
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 dispenser effectively protects utensil head portions from the environment and efficiently manages the distribution of utensils, ensuring hygiene and ease of use by allowing one utensil to be dispensed at a time while maintaining a full stock.
Implementation Method 1
A gravity feed ramp is configured to move the next utensil to an access port of the utensil dispenser
Data Source
AI summary
A utensil dispenser including a reservoir that stores utensils and front and rear pedestals in contact with a next utensil. The pedestals contain a plurality of utensils within the reservoir. A gravity feed ramp moves the next utensil to an access port of the utensil dispenser. The utensil dispenser includes an actuator operably connected to a drive pin or other drive mechanism. The actuator is configured to halt a dispensing utensil at a ready position based upon contact between the dispensing utensil and the actuator. In the ready position, a handle portion of the dispensing utensil is accessible via the access port. The drive mechanism is configured to contact the next utensil. The actuator is configured to move the drive mechanism to move the next utensil to clear the front pedestal to release the next utensil from the reservoir onto the gravity feed ramp when the dispensing utensil is dispensed.