Wrapped Cutlery Band Dispenser for Hygienic Single-Packet Dispensing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing cutlery dispensers for disposable cutlery are often unhygienic, prone to malfunction, and inefficient in reducing over-dispensing, as they rely on complex mechanisms and open-air bins, which can lead to bacterial transmission and increased costs due to unnecessary utensil usage.
Innovation Solution
A cutlery dispenser that uses a wrapped cutlery band with separable packets dispensed through a nozzle assembly, allowing individual packets to be dispensed one at a time, reducing contact with potentially contaminated surfaces and minimizing utensil usage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If open-air bins are used to store disposable cutlery, then patrons can easily access the cutlery, but hygiene is compromised and bacterial transmission is facilitated
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a mechanical dispensing mechanism as an intermediary between the cutlery supply and the patron. The mechanism includes a dispensing head with a recess that receives individual packets, and a mechanism that advances packets one at a time to the dispensing position. This intermediary system eliminates direct contact between patrons and the bulk cutlery supply, thereby preventing bacterial transmission while maintaining ease of access.
2Loss of substance
If complex dispensing mechanisms are used to dispense cutlery one at a time, then over-dispensing is reduced, but device complexity and malfunction risk increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the cutlery supply into individual packets that are separably connected in a serial manner. Each packet is individually wrapped and can be dispensed separately. This segmentation allows for simple mechanical advancement of packets through the dispenser without requiring complex mechanisms, as each packet is a discrete unit that can be easily advanced and dispensed one at a time.
Solution Approach 2:
The dispensing mechanism is designed to be operated by the patron themselves through simple actions such as pressing a button or pulling a lever. The mechanism automatically advances the next packet into position and separates it from the band. This self-service approach minimizes the need for complex automated systems while ensuring that only one packet is dispensed per patron action, reducing waste.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If traditional dispensers are used to contain large supply of cutlery, then hygiene is improved, but space occupancy increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a nested configuration where the wrapped cutlery band is contained within a compact dispenser housing. The band of packets is arranged in a space-efficient manner within the dispenser, with packets nested or stacked to maximize space utilization. The dispenser itself is designed as a compact unit that can be mounted on walls or counters, minimizing the space it occupies in the facility while still containing a large supply of cutlery.
4Loss of substance
If mechanically complex dispensing mechanisms are used, then cutlery can be dispensed one at a time, but reliability decreases due to jamming and malfunction
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a simple mechanical copying principle where the motion or force applied by the patron to dispense one packet is replicated to advance the next packet into position. The mechanism includes a recess in the dispensing head that physically guides and receives each packet, ensuring consistent positioning without requiring complex sensing or control systems. This mechanical copying approach enhances reliability by using straightforward, fail-safe mechanical principles rather than complex automated systems.
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure provides a cutlery dispenser for dispensing wrapped cutlery. The cutlery dispenser may include a wrapped cutlery band comprising a plurality of cutlery packets separably connected to one another in a serial manner. The cutlery dispenser also may include a nozzle assembly configured to allow the cutlery packets to be dispensed therethrough. The present disclosure also provides a method for dispensing wrapped cutlery. The method may include the step of providing a cutlery dispenser comprising a nozzle assembly and a wrapped cutlery band, wherein the wrapped cutlery band comprises a plurality of cutlery packets separably connected to one another in a serial manner. The method also may include the step of dispensing the cutlery packets through the nozzle assembly.