Utensil dispensers with interlock mechanism
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional utensil dispensers face challenges in reliably and sanitarily supplying utensils to customers, with difficulties in repeatable dispensing and maintaining a consistent supply of utensils.
Innovation Solution
The design includes a housing with multiple dispense chassis that can move between dispensing and loading positions, featuring an interlock mechanism to prevent one chassis from moving to the loading position when another is in that state, ensuring reliable and sanitary dispensing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If multiple dispense chassis are allowed to move freely between positions, then loading and unloading operations can be performed simultaneously, but the dispenser becomes unstable and may tip over
Solution Approach 1:
The interlock mechanism applies a preliminary restraining force to prevent the dispenser from tipping before the tipping can occur. When one chassis is in the loading position, the interlock mechanism proactively locks the other chassis in place, preventing any movement that could cause instability or tipping, thus maintaining dispenser stability while allowing efficient operations.
2Stability of the object's composition
If an interlock mechanism is added to prevent chassis movement, then dispenser stability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The interlock mechanism is designed to be self-actuating through the natural movement of the dispense chassis. As a chassis moves between positions, it automatically engages or disengages the interlock mechanism through its own motion, eliminating the need for external actuators, sensors, or control systems. This keeps the mechanism simple while effectively preventing simultaneous movement of multiple chassis.
3Reliability
If the dispense chassis are constrained to prevent tipping, then safety is improved, but ease of operation decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The interlock mechanism dynamically adapts its constraint level based on the operational state of the dispense chassis. When one chassis is in the loading position, the interlock temporarily restricts the other chassis to prevent tipping. However, when no chassis is in the loading position, the interlock automatically releases, allowing full freedom of movement. This dynamic behavior maintains safety while preserving ease of operation.
Data Source
AI summary
Utensil dispensers and methods for making and using same are provided herein. In some examples, the utensil dispensers can include a housing. At least two dispense chassis can be disposed within the housing. Each dispense chassis can be configured to move between a first position in which the dispense chassis is configured to dispense utensils from the housing and a second position in which the dispense chassis is configured to be loaded with utensils. A chassis interlock can be configured to prevent at least one of the dispense chassis that is in the first position from moving toward the second position when one other of the dispense chassis is in the second position.