Development of a novel cleaner and moisture-proof powder dispensing device for instant tea machines

This research presents a new technical approach that uses stick packages as the dispensing material to address problems of moisture absorption, clumping, and spoilage of the powder in instant tea machines. The protection provided by stick packages isolates the powder from air, addressing issues related to moisture absorption and associated problems. In addition, the approach advances the design of a novel cleaner and moisture-proof powder dispensing device. Three main innovative mechanisms including the stick package separation mechanism, the stick package orientation correction mechanism and the stick package cutting and shaking mechanism are designed to complete the dispensing task. The separation mechanism combines a hopper, chain-driven plates and PLA-coated boards to sort the disordered stick packages in an orderly manner and output individually. The specially designed destabilizing bar and correction surface are utilized in the orientation correction mechanism to rotate the package from horizontal to vertical pose without external power. In the cutting and shaking mechanism, four linear actuators and a triangular blade attached to the tip of one of them work together to fix and cut the stick package, and a servo motor drives the rotating section to make the powder drop from the stick package by shaking. The experimental results show that the device using the new approach exhibits excellent performance. It has a stable powder dispensing rate of 76%–80%, with a consistent beverage quality. The dispensing time is approximately 30 s, which is approximately equal to that of current devices. The maximum hopper capacity is 60 stick packages, reducing the frequency of refilling and labor intensity. It also features a long maintenance cycle and simplifies the powder-loading process. In terms of health and hygiene, the new device significantly extends the cleaning cycle and powder replacement cycle, minimizing contact with powder and reducing the risk of contamination. Economically, it can save 44.81% of the costs over its life cycle in a typical studio scenario. The new device prevents the powder from absorbing moisture, clumping, and spoiling, and achieves cleaner production.