Metro cross bar intelligent selling warehouse with multidirectional force self-adaptive connecting structure
By adopting a ball-and-socket structure with mounting blocks and rotating balls in the vending machine on the subway crossbar, the problem of structural instability under multi-directional forces in the vending machine on the subway crossbar is solved, realizing a stable, safe, and convenient merchandise vending function.
Patent Information
- Application Number
- CN202511798653.3
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Applications(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Filing Date
- 2025-12-02
- Publication Date
- 2026-01-27
AI Technical Summary
The existing subway crossbar vending boxes are structurally unstable under multi-directional stress conditions, making them prone to rotation and loosening, posing safety hazards, and having a short service life.
Two mounting blocks clamp the subway crossbar and form a cylindrical connecting hole. Combined with the ball-and-socket structure of the rotating hole and the rotating ball, it can absorb and buffer external forces in multiple directions. The vending components enable the sealed storage of goods, unlocking by scanning the code, and convenient retrieval.
Maintaining the installation position under multi-directional stress conditions improves the durability and service life of the device, enhances the passenger experience, and ensures structural stability and safety.
Smart Images

Figure CN121404331A_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] This invention relates to a smart vending machine with a multi-directional force adaptive connection structure for subway crossbars. This machine maintains stable installation under multi-directional force conditions, belonging to the technical field of public transportation equipment and smart vending devices. Specifically, it relates to a system where two mounting blocks clamp the subway crossbar to form a cylindrical connection hole, combined with a ball-and-socket structure of a rotating hole and a rotating ball. This absorbs and buffers external forces from multiple directions, preventing the vending machine from rotating or loosening. The vending components enable sealed storage of goods, QR code unlocking, and convenient retrieval, achieving a stable, safe, reliable, and intelligently interactive vending function. Background Technology
[0002] With the continuous improvement and development of urban public transportation systems, subways have become one of the most important modes of transportation for people's daily travel. Due to the large number of passengers in subway cars, concentrated travel times, and limited space, "hands-free" vending machines that can quickly provide goods have gradually become an important development direction in the mobile retail sector. In recent years, some small vending machines have begun to experiment with installing portable vending machines directly on the crossbars of subway cars, combining technologies such as QR code payment and smart lock control to provide passengers with a quick-purchase service for small items such as beverages, snacks, and masks. However, existing subway crossbar vending machines have significant limitations in structural design, making it difficult to adapt to the complex operating environment and high-frequency usage scenarios of subway cars, resulting in insufficient stability and safety during long-term use. First, since the installation points are usually fixed structures, they cannot absorb and buffer the multi-directional lateral forces and torques generated when passengers hold the handles in a crowded environment. The cabin is easily subjected to external forces and may rotate, swing, or even loosen around the crossbar, posing a significant safety hazard. Second, most current equipment fixes itself by passing ropes or buckles directly through holes in the top of the vending cabin, causing lateral forces to concentrate on the edge of the holes or the outer shell. Long-term repeated stress can easily lead to stress concentration, causing the top structure to crack, deform, or loosen connections, which not only affects the service life of the equipment but also increases maintenance costs.
[0003] Publication No. CN111166113B discloses a product display cabinet based on subway handles. This cabinet is designed for use in subways, providing handle functionality and enabling product display while occupying minimal space. The main housing has two splicing plates on each side, and the auxiliary housing has two splicing plates on each side. The splicing plates have splicing holes. The main housing and auxiliary housing are fixedly connected by screws through these holes to form a single housing. The single housing is divided into three parts: upper, middle, and lower. The upper part is an inverted trapezoidal shell, the middle part is a rectangular shell, and the upper and middle parts are separated by a partition. The lower part is an inverted trapezoidal flat shell with an open bottom. The middle part has paper slots at both ends. However, since the installation points of the aforementioned display cases are usually fixed structures, they cannot absorb and buffer the multi-directional lateral forces and torques generated when passengers hold the handles in crowded environments. The cabinet is easily subjected to external forces and may rotate, swing, or even loosen around the crossbar, posing a significant safety hazard. Summary of the Invention
[0004] To improve the above situation, the present invention provides a smart vending machine for subway crossbars with a multi-directional force adaptive connection structure. This machine uses two mounting blocks to clamp the subway crossbar and form a cylindrical connection hole, combined with a ball-and-socket structure of a rotating hole and a rotating ball. This structure absorbs and buffers external forces from multiple directions, preventing the vending machine from rotating or loosening. The vending components enable sealed storage of goods, QR code unlocking, and convenient retrieval, achieving a stable, safe, reliable, and intelligent interactive vending function.
[0005] The intelligent vending machine with a multi-directional force adaptive connection structure for subway crossbars of the present invention is implemented as follows: The intelligent vending machine with a multi-directional force adaptive connection structure for subway crossbars of the present invention includes an installation component and a vending component. The vending component is characterized in that it is fixedly connected to the installation component, and the connecting block of the installation component is placed inside the vending compartment of the vending component and fixedly connected to the inner side of the top of the vending compartment. The mounting assembly includes a mounting block, connecting holes, connecting bolts, mounting screw holes, mounting screws, rotating holes, rotating balls, connecting rods, and connecting blocks. Two mounting blocks are provided, and each of the two mounting blocks has a connecting hole at the point where their vertical sides meet. The two connecting holes form a cylindrical structure. Preferably, the distance between the vertical side of the mounting block and the other side remains constant from the top to one-seventh of the way down, gradually increases in an arc shape from one-seventh to three-sevenths of the way down, and remains constant from three-sevenths to the bottom. The threaded connecting bolts pass through the two mounting blocks near the top. Preferably, the connecting bolts are provided in multiple quantities. The two mounting blocks have mounting screw holes, which are located below the connecting holes. Multiple mounting screw holes are provided and are positioned near both sides of the connecting bolts. The mounting screws are threadedly connected to one mounting block via connecting bolts, passing through one mounting block and connecting to another, but not penetrating the other mounting block. A rotating hole is provided near the center of the contact area between the two mounting blocks. The rotating hole is located below the connecting hole and has a cleft-right circular shape, with its flat end at the bottom. The rotating ball is connected to the ball sockets of the two mounting blocks through a rotating hole. Preferably, the rotating hole is provided with a wear-resistant ceramic insert on its side. One end of the connecting rod is fixedly connected to the rotating ball. The other end of the connecting rod is fixedly connected to the middle of the top surface of the connecting block. Preferably, the mounting block, rotating ball, connecting rod, and connecting block are made of stainless steel. The vending components include a vending compartment, an observation window, a connecting hinge, a Bluetooth lock, and a handle. The sales warehouse has an open structure on one side. Preferably, the vending warehouse outer shell adopts a double-layer composite structure of inner frame + outer shell, with the inner frame being an aluminum alloy frame and the outer shell being ABS flame-retardant engineering plastic. The connecting block is placed inside the sales compartment and fixedly connected to the top surface of the sales compartment. The other end of the connecting rod passes through the top of the sales compartment and is fixedly connected to the middle of the top surface of the connecting block. Preferably, the length and width of the sales compartment gradually increase from the top to one-tenth of the way down, and remain constant from the one-tenth of the way down to the bottom. The top cross-section of the sales compartment is circular. One side of the observation window is rotatably connected to the sales compartment via a hinge, and the observation window and the sales compartment form a sealed space. A Bluetooth lock is located on the other side of the observation window, and the observation window is fixed in position to the sales warehouse via the Bluetooth lock. The two ends of the handle are fixedly connected to the floor of the sales area. Furthermore, a buffer layer is adhered to the side of the connection hole, the buffer layer being made of elastic silicone rubber or TPU polymer material. Furthermore, an adjustment hole is provided at the center of the rotating ball. Beneficial effects
[0006] 1. The structure is stable and reliable, and can maintain the installation position unchanged under multi-directional stress environment, avoiding rotation and loosening.
[0007] Second, it has multi-directional force adaptive buffering capability, which improves the durability and service life of the device.
[0008] Third, it supports QR code unlocking and automatic opening and closing, making it convenient to operate and improving the passenger experience.
[0009] Fourth, the compartment has high strength and good sealing, making it suitable for long-term safe use in public transportation environments. Attached Figure Description
[0010] Figure 1 This is a three-dimensional structural diagram of a smart vending machine with a multi-directional force adaptive connection structure for subway crossbars according to the present invention. Figure 2 This is a structural schematic diagram of a smart vending machine with a multi-directional force adaptive connection structure for subway crossbars according to the present invention; Figure 3 This is a three-dimensional structural diagram of Embodiment 2 of the intelligent vending machine with a multi-directional force adaptive connection structure for subway crossbars according to the present invention; Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of embodiment 3 of the intelligent vending machine with a multi-directional force adaptive connection structure for subway crossbars according to the present invention; Attached Figure
[0011] The components are: handle (1), sales compartment (2), observation window (3), connecting hinge (4), connecting rod (5), mounting block (6), mounting screw hole (7), connecting bolt (8), connecting hole (9), mounting screw (10), Bluetooth lock (11), connecting block (12), rotating ball (13), rotating hole (14), buffer layer (15), and adjustment hole (16). Detailed Implementation Example 1
[0012] The intelligent vending machine with a multi-directional force adaptive connection structure for subway crossbars of the present invention is implemented as follows: The intelligent vending machine with a multi-directional force adaptive connection structure for subway crossbars of the present invention includes an installation component and a vending component. The selling component is characterized in that it is fixedly connected to the installation component, and the connecting block (12) of the installation component is placed inside the selling compartment (2) of the selling component and is fixedly connected to the inner side of the top of the selling compartment (2). The mounting assembly includes a mounting block (6), a connecting hole (9), a connecting bolt (8), a mounting screw hole (7), a mounting screw (10), a rotating hole (14), a rotating ball (13), a connecting rod (5), and a connecting block (12). There are two mounting blocks (6), and each of the two mounting blocks (6) has a connecting hole (9) at the point where their vertical sides meet. The two connecting holes (9) form a cylindrical structure. Preferably, the distance between the vertical side and the other side of the mounting block (6) remains constant from the top to one-seventh of the way down, gradually increases in an arc shape from one-seventh to three-sevenths of the way down, and remains constant from three-sevenths to the bottom. The connecting bolt (8) is threaded through the two mounting blocks (6) near the top. Preferably, the connecting bolts (8) are provided in multiple quantities. The two mounting blocks (6) have mounting screw holes (7) on them, and the mounting screw holes (7) are located below the connecting hole (9). There are multiple mounting screw holes (7), which are located near both sides of the connecting bolt (8). The mounting screw (10) is threaded through one mounting block (6) and threaded to another mounting block (6) via the connecting bolt (8), but does not penetrate the other mounting block (6). A rotating hole (14) is provided near the center of the contact area between the two mounting blocks (6). The rotating hole (14) is located below the connecting hole (9). The rotating hole (14) has a cleft-right structure, and its flat end is located at the bottom. The rotating ball (13) is connected to the ball sockets of the two mounting blocks (6) through the rotating hole (14). Preferably, the rotating hole (14) is provided with a wear-resistant ceramic insert on its side. One end of the connecting rod (5) is fixedly connected to the rotating ball (13). The other end of the connecting rod (5) is fixedly connected to the middle of the top surface of the connecting block (12). Preferably, the mounting block (6), rotating ball (13), connecting rod (5), and connecting block (12) are made of stainless steel. The vending components include a vending compartment (2), an observation window (3), a connecting hinge (4), a Bluetooth lock (11), and a handle (1). The sales warehouse (2) has an open structure on one side. Preferably, the outer shell of the sales warehouse (2) adopts a double-layer composite structure of inner frame + outer shell, the inner frame is an aluminum alloy frame, and the outer shell is ABS flame-retardant engineering plastic. The connecting block (12) is placed inside the sales compartment (2) and is fixedly connected to the top surface of the sales compartment (2). The other end of the connecting rod (5) passes through the top of the sales compartment (2) and is fixedly connected to the middle of the top surface of the connecting block (12). Preferably, the length and width of the sales compartment (2) gradually increase from the top to one-tenth of the way down, and remain constant from one-tenth of the way down to the bottom. The top cross-section of the sales compartment (2) is circular. The observation window (3) is rotatably connected to the sales compartment (2) via a connecting hinge (4) on one side, and the observation window (3) and the sales compartment (2) form a closed space. A Bluetooth lock (11) is provided on the other side of the observation window (3), and the observation window (3) is fixed in position to the sales warehouse (2) by the Bluetooth lock (11). The handle (1) is fixedly connected to the ground of the sales compartment (2) at both ends. In use, first, place the two mounting blocks (6) facing each other and fit them onto the subway crossbar, so that the crossbar is embedded in the cylindrical channel formed by the connecting holes (9). Tighten the connecting bolts (8) and mounting screws (10) to clamp the mounting blocks at multiple points, so that the vending compartment is firmly fixed on the crossbar and does not slide or rotate. After installation, place the goods to be sold inside the vending compartment (2). Passengers can complete the payment by scanning the QR code on the compartment. After the system receives the payment signal, it sends an unlocking command to the Bluetooth lock (11). The Bluetooth lock unlocks automatically, and the observation window (3) can be opened outward around the connecting hinge (4). After the passenger takes out the goods they want, close the observation window, and the Bluetooth lock locks again. During use, when a passenger holds the handle (1) fixed at the bottom of the vending compartment, the body swaying or change in the direction of force caused by the train operation will be transmitted to the connecting rod (5) through the vending compartment structure. The connecting rod drives the rotating ball (13) to swing in all directions within the rotating hole (14), thereby absorbing and buffering external forces in different directions, preventing the vending compartment from rotating or loosening around the crossbar, and maintaining the overall stability and durability of the device. Example 2
[0013] The difference between this embodiment and embodiment 1 is that a buffer layer (15) is pasted on the side of the connecting hole (9). The buffer layer (15) is made of elastic silicone rubber or TPU polymer material. When in use, the buffer layer (15) forms a 360° tight wrap during installation, which significantly increases the coefficient of friction and disperses concentrated stress, thereby improving the gripping force and anti-rotation ability of the vending compartment on the crossbar, while reducing the risk of slippage when metal comes into contact with metal. Example 3
[0014] The difference between this embodiment and embodiment 1 is that: the rotating ball (13) has an adjustment hole (16) in the middle position. When in use, it can effectively reduce the overall mass of the ball, reduce the self-weight and inertial torque of the device, make the ball socket structure more responsive and rotate more smoothly when subjected to force, and at the same time reduce friction and wear during long-term operation, and improve the overall service life and energy efficiency. The two mounting blocks (6) have connection holes (9) respectively at the joint of their vertical sides, and the two connection holes (9) form a cylindrical structure. This design allows the subway crossbar to be fully covered in the circumference and form a stable clamping structure. The pre-tightening of multiple bolts and screws effectively prevents the device from slipping or rotating in the long-term operating environment. The design of the mounting block (6) with the distance between the vertical side and the other side remaining constant from the top to one-seventh of the way up, the distance gradually increasing in an arc from one-seventh to three-sevenths of the way up, and the distance remaining constant from three-sevenths to the bottom, can achieve uniform stress distribution during installation and clamping, improve the fit between the crossbar and the mounting block, and enhance the overall fixation stability and load-bearing capacity. The rotating hole (14) has a circular structure and its flat end is located at the bottom. The rotating ball (13) is connected to the ball socket of the two mounting blocks (6) through the rotating hole (14). This design can provide the connecting rod with a omnidirectional swing space when the direction of the passenger's force changes, absorb and buffer external forces in multiple directions, and prevent the vending compartment from rotating or loosening after being subjected to force. The outer shell of the vending warehouse (2) adopts a double-layer composite structure of inner frame + outer shell. The inner frame is an aluminum alloy frame and the outer shell is made of ABS flame-retardant engineering plastic. This design can significantly improve the overall impact resistance and structural rigidity of the vending warehouse, enhance the durability and safety of the equipment, and effectively extend its service life. The observation window (3) is rotatably connected to the sales compartment (2) via a connecting hinge (4) on one side. The observation window (3) and the sales compartment (2) form a closed space and are fixed in position by a Bluetooth lock (11). This design enables intelligent control functions such as scanning code to unlock and automatic opening and closing, improving the convenience and interactive experience for passengers to pick up goods, while ensuring the airtightness of the compartment and the safety of the goods. The design of the other end of the connecting rod (5) passing through the top of the sales compartment (2) and being fixedly connected to the middle of the top surface of the connecting block (12) can form a continuous force transmission path from the compartment to the installation components, maintain uniform and stable force during the force transmission process, and improve the torsional performance and reliability of the overall structure. The system can achieve the goal of absorbing and buffering external forces in multiple directions to prevent the vending warehouse from rotating or loosening. The vending components can be used to clamp the subway crossbar with two mounting blocks (6) and form a cylindrical connecting hole (9). Combined with the ball-and-socket structure of the rotating hole (14) and the rotating ball (13), the vending components can be used to complete the sealed storage of goods, unlock by scanning code and convenient retrieval, and achieve the purpose of a stable, safe and reliable, intelligent and interactive vending function.
[0015] It should be noted that, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, the terms "placed," "connected," and "linked" should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to fixed connections such as folded edges, rivets, pins, adhesives, and welds; detachable connections such as threaded connections, snap-fit connections, and hinges; integral connections; electrical connections; direct connections; or indirect connections via an intermediate medium; or internal connections between two components. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of these terms in this invention based on the specific circumstances.
[0016] It should be further noted that, in order to keep the description simple and clear, the above specific embodiments only describe the differences between them and other embodiments. However, those skilled in the art should know that the above specific embodiments are also independent technical solutions.
Claims
1. A smart vending machine with a multi-directional force adaptive connection structure for subway crossbars, comprising an installation component and a vending component, characterized in that: The vending component and the installation component are fixedly connected. The connecting block of the installation component is placed inside the vending compartment of the vending component and is fixedly connected to the inner side of the top of the vending compartment. The installation component includes a mounting block, connecting holes, connecting bolts, mounting screw holes, mounting screws, rotating holes, rotating balls, connecting rods, and connecting blocks. There are two mounting blocks. Connecting holes are opened at the joint of one vertical side of the two mounting blocks, and the two connecting holes form a cylindrical structure. The connecting bolts are threaded through the two mounting blocks near the top. The two mounting blocks have mounting screw holes, which are located below the connecting holes. There are multiple mounting screw holes, which are located near both sides of the connecting bolts. The mounting screws are threaded through one mounting block and threadedly connected to the other mounting block through the connecting bolts, but do not penetrate the other mounting block. The mounting blocks have a rotating hole near the center of their mating area. A rotating ball connects to the ball sockets of the two mounting blocks through the rotating hole. One end of a connecting rod is fixedly connected to the rotating ball, and the other end is fixedly connected to the center of the top surface of the connecting block. The vending component includes a vending compartment, an observation window, a connecting hinge, a Bluetooth lock, and a handle. One side of the vending compartment is open, and the connecting block is placed inside the vending compartment and fixedly connected to the top surface of the vending compartment. The other end of the connecting rod passes through the top of the vending compartment and is fixedly connected to the center of the top surface of the connecting block. One side of the observation window is rotatably connected to the vending compartment through the connecting hinge. The observation window and the vending compartment form a sealed space. The other side of the observation window is equipped with a Bluetooth lock, which fixes the position of the observation window to the vending compartment. Both ends of the handle are fixedly connected to the floor of the vending compartment.
2. The intelligent vending machine with a multi-directional force adaptive connection structure for subway crossbars according to claim 1, characterized in that... A buffer layer is attached to the side of the connection hole, and the buffer layer is made of elastic silicone rubber or TPU polymer material.
3. The intelligent vending machine with a multi-directional force adaptive connection structure for subway crossbars according to claim 1, characterized in that... An adjustment hole is provided in the middle of the rotating ball.
4. The intelligent vending machine with a multi-directional force adaptive connection structure for subway crossbars according to claim 1, characterized in that... The distance between the vertical side of the mounting block and the other side remains constant from the top to one-seventh of the way down, gradually increases in an arc shape from one-seventh to three-sevenths of the way down, and remains constant from three-sevenths to the bottom.
5. A smart vending machine with a multi-directional force adaptive connection structure for subway crossbars according to claim 1, characterized in that... The rotating hole is located below the connecting hole. The rotating hole has a circular or notch structure, and its flat end is located at the bottom.
6. The intelligent vending machine with a multi-directional force adaptive connection structure for subway crossbars according to claim 1, characterized in that... The rotating hole is provided with a wear-resistant ceramic insert on its side, and there are multiple connecting bolts.
7. A smart vending machine with a multi-directional force adaptive connection structure for subway crossbars according to claim 1, characterized in that... The mounting block, rotating ball, connecting rod, and connecting block are made of stainless steel.
8. A smart vending machine with a multi-directional force adaptive connection structure for subway crossbars according to claim 1, characterized in that... The sales warehouse adopts a double-layer composite structure of inner frame and outer shell. The inner frame is an aluminum alloy frame, and the outer shell is ABS flame-retardant engineering plastic.
9. A smart vending machine with a multi-directional force adaptive connection structure for subway crossbars according to claim 1, characterized in that... The length and width of the sales warehouse gradually increase from the top to one-tenth of the way up, and remain constant from one-tenth of the way up to the bottom.
10. A smart vending machine for subway crossbars with a multi-directional force adaptive connection structure according to claim 9, characterized in that... The top cross-section of the sales warehouse is circular.
Citation Information
Patent Citations
A product display cabinet based on subway handles
CN111166113B