A smart retail terminal and method for exercise equipment with handles

Abstract

This invention discloses an intelligent retail terminal and method for sports equipment with handles, mainly relating to the field of intelligent retail terminal technology. It includes a cabinet, a stacked storage unit, a dispensing mechanism, and a payment and control module. The stacked storage unit has multiple adjustable-width clamping channels for vertically storing equipment with handles, such as badminton rackets. The dispensing mechanism achieves safe dispensing through a lifting platform and a pushing device. The terminal also has a two-way dispensing / recycling port and an identity recognition module, supporting users to try before they buy. This invention solves the problem that existing vending machines cannot adapt to the storage and sale of equipment with handles, achieving automated sales and a safe trial experience, and is suitable for scenarios such as sports halls, gymnasiums, and communities.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention mainly relates to the field of smart retail terminal technology, specifically to a smart retail terminal and method for sports equipment with handles. Background Technology

[0002] With the popularization of national fitness activities, the consumer demand for sports equipment with handles, such as badminton, tennis, and table tennis rackets, continues to grow. Currently, the sales of such equipment still mainly rely on physical specialty stores or online e-commerce platforms. Physical stores require a large amount of store space and have high labor costs; while online shopping is convenient, consumers cannot intuitively feel the key attributes of the equipment, such as its feel, weight, and balance point, resulting in a blind spot in the experience.

[0003] Vending machines are widely used in the beverage, snack, and daily necessities sectors. However, existing vending machines are designed for small-sized, standard-packaged goods and cannot accommodate the storage and automatic dispensing of equipment with handles, irregular shapes, or that are easily damaged, such as badminton rackets and tennis rackets. Simply increasing the size of the dispensing channels would lead to the following problems: 1) Equipment with handles is prone to tilting and jamming when stacked vertically; 2) Equipment is prone to damage when dropped during dispensing; 3) It cannot provide the experience of "seeing the product before buying" or "trying it out before deciding," while the tactile experience is a core decision-making factor for the purchase of rackets.

[0004] Therefore, there is an urgent need for a smart retail terminal specifically designed for sports equipment with handles, which can not only automate warehousing and sales, but also provide a safe and convenient experience for viewing and trying out products, thus filling a market gap. Summary of the Invention

[0005] (a) Technical problems to be solved In view of the above-mentioned problems, the present invention provides an intelligent retail terminal and method for sports equipment with handles, which solves the problem that existing automatic vending machines cannot adapt to the storage and sale of sports equipment with handles, realizes automated sales and safe trial experience, and can be applied to various scenarios such as stadiums, gymnasiums, and communities.

[0006] (II) Technical Solution To address the aforementioned technical problems, this invention provides an intelligent retail terminal for sports equipment with handles, comprising: a cabinet, a stacked storage unit, a dispensing mechanism, and a payment and control module. The stacked storage unit is disposed within the cabinet and is used to vertically stack and store at least one piece of sports equipment with handles. The stacked storage unit includes multiple vertically arranged, independent clamping channels, each clamping channel for accommodating and securing one piece of sports equipment with handles. The dispensing mechanism cooperates with the stacked storage unit and, upon receiving a dispensing instruction, releases the equipment from the designated clamping channel from its storage location to a dispensing / recovery port. The payment and control module receives user operations, completes transaction settlement, and controls the operation of the dispensing mechanism.

[0007] Furthermore, the shipping mechanism includes a vertical lifting platform, a pushing device, and a horizontal conveying device. The vertical lifting platform can move along the height of the cabinet to align with the target clamping channel; the pushing device is used to push the equipment in the target clamping channel to the lifting platform; and the horizontal conveying device is used to transport the equipment on the lifting platform to the shipping / recovery port.

[0008] Furthermore, the clamping channel includes a pair of adjustable-width clamping arms and a locking mechanism for accommodating handleed sports equipment of different thicknesses or handle lengths; the locking mechanism is used to fix the equipment in the clamping channel when not in the shipping state.

[0009] Furthermore, the inner side of the clamping arm is provided with an elastic buffer layer to prevent the equipment from being damaged during storage or shipping.

[0010] Furthermore, it also includes: a two-way controllable delivery / recovery port, an equipment identification module, and a payment and control module. The two-way controllable delivery / recovery port is located on the cabinet, allowing equipment to be released from inside the cabinet to outside, and also allowing equipment to be inserted into the cabinet from outside. The equipment identification module is located at the shipping / return port and is used to read the unique identification information on the equipment. The payment and control module is configured such that when the user inserts the device back from the delivery / return port, the device identity is verified by the identity recognition module. After successful verification, the delivery mechanism is controlled to return the device to the original clamping channel or the designated empty space.

[0011] Furthermore, the payment and control module is configured to: when a user applies for a trial, retrieve the designated equipment from the storage unit and release it outside the cabinet, while simultaneously starting a timer; if the user inserts the equipment back and passes verification before the timer expires, no deduction will be made; if the user fails to insert the equipment back or confirm the purchase within the time limit, the transaction settlement will be completed.

[0012] Furthermore, the unique identifier on the sports equipment with handles is a QR code, RFID tag, or NFC tag, and the identification module is the corresponding barcode scanner or card reader; the delivery / recycling port is equipped with a guide groove to assist the equipment with handles in being accurately inserted into the designated position inside the cabinet.

[0013] Furthermore, the payment and control module supports at least one of the following payment methods: QR code payment, card payment, and facial recognition payment; the retail terminal records the inventory status of each clamping channel through software: when the equipment is successfully shipped, the system automatically marks the corresponding clamping channel as empty; when the equipment is successfully retrieved, the system automatically marks the corresponding clamping channel as full; there is no need to set up physical sensors in each clamping channel.

[0014] A smart retail method for sports equipment with handles, applied to a smart retail terminal for sports equipment with handles as described above, includes the following steps: Step A: Receive the user's selection of the exercise equipment with handles via the payment and control module; Step B: After the payment and control module confirms that the user has completed the transaction payment, the user is allowed to take the equipment. Step C: The payment and control module controls the shipping mechanism to retrieve the designated equipment from the stacked storage unit and release it to the shipping / recovery port, where the user can take the equipment. Step D: The payment and control module control software system updates the inventory status of the corresponding clamping channel.

[0015] Furthermore, it also includes a trial return process, which includes the following steps: Step E: The payment and control module receives the user's trial request, controls the shipping mechanism to retrieve the designated equipment from the stacked storage unit and release it outside the cabinet, and starts the timer at the same time; Step F: If the user inserts the device back into the delivery / return port before the timer ends, the device identity is verified by the identity recognition module. Once the verification is successful, the payment and control module controls the delivery mechanism to send the device back to the storage location without any deduction. Step G: If the user fails to reconnect the exercise equipment with handles within the time limit or confirms the purchase before reconnecting the exercise equipment with handles, the payment and control module will complete the transaction settlement.

[0016] The advantages of this invention compared to existing technologies are as follows: 1. This invention is the first to propose a dedicated automatic vending terminal for sports equipment with handles. It employs a stacked vertical storage system and adjustable clamping channels, solving the problem of automated storage and dispensing of irregularly shaped equipment with handles, filling a gap in the industry. 2. This invention, through the combination of an inner buffer layer in the clamping channel, a vertical lifting platform, and a horizontal conveying device, avoids damage caused by direct drops of equipment, reduces operational losses, and further protects the safety of the goods. 3. This invention also proposes a function that supports trial use and inspection. Through bidirectional dispensing / return ports and equipment identification, it realizes a retail model of "try before you buy," increasing consumer confidence and reducing returns due to discomfort. 4. The vertical stacked storage system of this invention makes full use of cabinet space, has a small footprint, and is suitable for deployment in stadiums, gymnasiums, fitness centers, communities, and other scenarios. The dispensing / return ports are equipped with door sensors to prevent users from forgetting to take equipment, which could cause the lifting platform to jam and damage the goods. Simultaneously, software records the warehouse status, eliminating the need to install physical sensors in each clamping channel, reducing hardware costs and failure rates. Attached Figure Description

[0017] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the front of the cabinet of the present invention.

[0018] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the inner side of the cabinet of the present invention.

[0019] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the operation of the delivery mechanism (lifting platform + ejection device) of the present invention.

[0020] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the product of this invention before it leaves the warehouse.

[0021] Figure 5 This is a flowchart of the intelligent retail method of the present invention. Detailed Implementation

[0022] The present invention will be further described below with reference to specific embodiments. The invention is explained through illustrative embodiments and descriptions, but is not intended to limit the invention.

[0023] Example 1: As Figures 1-5 The smart retail terminal shown includes: a cabinet, a stacked storage unit, a dispensing mechanism, and a payment and control module. The stacked storage unit is disposed inside the cabinet and is used to stack at least one piece of sports equipment with a handle in a vertical direction. The stacked storage unit includes multiple vertically arranged, independent clamping channels, each clamping channel for accommodating and fixing one piece of sports equipment with a handle.

[0024] The shipping mechanism works in conjunction with the stacked storage unit to release equipment from the storage location to the shipping / recovery port in the designated clamping channel after receiving a shipping instruction; the payment and control module is used to receive user operations, complete transaction settlement, and control the actions of the shipping mechanism.

[0025] The shipping mechanism includes a vertical lifting platform, a pushing device, and a horizontal conveying device. The vertical lifting platform can move along the height of the cabinet to align with the target clamping channel; the pushing device is used to push the equipment in the target clamping channel to the lifting platform; and the horizontal conveying device is used to transport the equipment on the lifting platform to the shipping / recovery port.

[0026] The clamping channel includes a pair of adjustable-width clamping arms and a locking mechanism for accommodating sporting equipment with handles of different thicknesses or handle lengths; the locking mechanism is used to secure the equipment in the clamping channel when not in the shipping state.

[0027] The inner side of the clamping arm is equipped with an elastic buffer layer to prevent the equipment from being damaged during storage or shipping.

[0028] A smart retail terminal for exercise equipment with handles also includes: The two-way controllable delivery / recovery port and equipment identification module are located on the cabinet, allowing equipment to be released from inside the cabinet to outside, and also allowing equipment to be inserted into the cabinet from outside. The equipment identification module is located at the shipping / return port and is used to read the unique identification information on the equipment. The payment and control module is configured as follows: when the user inserts the equipment back from the delivery / return port, the identity recognition module verifies the equipment's identity. After successful verification, the delivery mechanism is controlled to send the equipment back to the original clamping channel or the designated empty space.

[0029] The payment and control module is also configured to: when a user applies for a trial, retrieve the designated equipment from the storage unit and release it outside the cabinet, while starting a timer; if the user inserts the equipment back and verifies it before the timer ends, no deduction will be made; if the user fails to insert the equipment back or confirm the purchase within the time limit, the transaction settlement will be completed.

[0030] The unique identifier on sports equipment with handles is a QR code, RFID tag, or NFC tag, and the identification module is the corresponding barcode scanner or card reader; the shipping / recycling port is equipped with a guide slot to help the equipment with handles be accurately inserted into the designated position in the cabinet.

[0031] The payment and control module supports at least one of the following payment methods: QR code payment, card payment, and facial recognition payment. The retail terminal records the inventory status of each clamping channel through software: when the equipment is successfully shipped, the system automatically marks the corresponding clamping channel as empty; when the equipment is successfully retrieved, the system automatically marks the corresponding clamping channel as full; there is no need to set up physical sensors in each clamping channel.

[0032] Example 2: A smart retail method for sports equipment with handles, applied to a smart retail terminal for sports equipment with handles, includes the following steps: Step A: Receive the user's selection of the exercise equipment with handles via the payment and control module; Step B: After the payment and control module confirms that the user has completed the transaction payment, the user is allowed to take the equipment. Step C: The payment and control module controls the shipping mechanism to retrieve the designated equipment from the stacked storage unit and release it to the shipping / recovery port, where the user can take the equipment. Step D: The payment and control module control software system updates the inventory status of the corresponding clamping channel.

[0033] A smart retail method for exercise equipment with handles also includes a trial and recycling process, which includes the following steps: Step E: The payment and control module receives the user's trial request, controls the shipping mechanism to retrieve the designated equipment from the stacked storage unit and release it outside the cabinet, and starts the timer at the same time; Step F: If the user inserts the device back into the delivery / return port before the timer ends, the device identity is verified by the identity recognition module. Once the verification is successful, the payment and control module controls the delivery mechanism to send the device back to the storage location without any deduction. Step G: If the user fails to reconnect the exercise equipment with handles within the time limit or confirms the purchase before reconnecting the exercise equipment with handles, the payment and control module will complete the transaction settlement.

[0034] Specific usage instructions: Basic Sales Implementation Method Taking badminton racket sales as an example, multiple clamping channels are arranged vertically inside the cabinet. The width of each channel can be pre-adjusted to accommodate the handle thickness of different racket models. After the user selects a racket via the touchscreen and the payment is successful, the payment and control module instructs the vertical lifting platform to move to the corresponding channel height. The ejection device pushes the racket from the clamping channel to the lifting platform, which then descends to the delivery / recovery port. The horizontal conveyor then delivers the racket. When the user takes the racket, the system marks the clamping channel as empty via software, and the inventory is reduced by 1.

[0035] Trial and Inspection Implementation Method Users scan the QR code on the cabinet to enter the mini-program, select "Trial" mode, and freeze a small deposit. The system delivers the designated racket to the delivery / return slot, where the user retrieves it for trial use. The system starts a timer (e.g., 5 minutes). If the user inserts the QR code on the racket handle into the return slot scanner before the timer expires, the system will automatically return the racket to its original slot after successful recognition and mark the slot as full via software, resulting in a full refund of the deposit. If the user exceeds the time limit or confirms the purchase in the mini-program, the payment will be automatically deducted, and the racket will belong to the user.

[0036] Error-proofing and reliability design The delivery / return port is equipped with a door sensor to detect whether the user has taken the equipment. After delivery, if the door sensor does not detect any removal for an extended period (e.g., the user forgets to take it), the system will issue an alarm and prevent the lifting platform from moving. This prevents the lifting platform from moving while there is still equipment in the delivery / return port, which could cause jamming and damage to the goods. The system records the inventory status of each clamping channel through software: it is marked as empty after successful delivery and marked as full after successful return. This eliminates the need to install physical position sensors in each clamping channel, thereby reducing hardware costs and maintenance complexity. The return port guide groove ensures that equipment with handles is inserted in the correct direction to avoid jamming.

[0037] Any aspects not covered in this invention are applicable to existing technologies.

Claims

1. A smart retail terminal for exercise equipment with handles, characterized in that, include: The system comprises a cabinet, stacked storage units, a shipping mechanism, and a payment and control module. The stacked storage units are located inside the cabinet and are used to vertically stack at least one piece of sporting equipment with a handle. Each stacked storage unit includes multiple vertically arranged, independent clamping channels, each used to accommodate and secure one piece of sporting equipment with a handle. The shipping mechanism works in conjunction with the stacked storage units to release the equipment from its storage location to a shipping / recovery port from the designated clamping channel upon receiving a shipping instruction. The payment and control module receives user input, completes transaction settlement, and controls the actions of the shipping mechanism.

2. The intelligent retail terminal for sports equipment with handles according to claim 1, characterized in that, The shipping mechanism includes a vertical lifting platform, a pushing device, and a horizontal conveying device. The vertical lifting platform can move along the height of the cabinet and is used to align with the target clamping channel. The pushing device is used to push the equipment in the target clamping channel to the lifting platform. A horizontal conveyor is used to transport equipment on a lifting platform to the delivery / recovery port.

3. The intelligent retail terminal for sports equipment with handles according to claim 1, characterized in that, The clamping channel includes a pair of adjustable-width clamping arms and a locking mechanism for accommodating handle-mounted sports equipment of different thicknesses or handle lengths; the locking mechanism is used to fix the equipment in the clamping channel when not in the shipping state.

4. A smart retail terminal for sports equipment with handles according to claim 3, characterized in that, The inner side of the clamping arm is provided with an elastic buffer layer to prevent the equipment from being damaged during storage or shipping.

5. A smart retail terminal for exercise equipment with handles according to claim 1, characterized in that, Also includes: The two-way controllable delivery / recovery port and equipment identification module are located on the cabinet, allowing equipment to be released from inside the cabinet to outside, and also allowing equipment to be inserted into the cabinet from outside. The equipment identification module is located at the shipping / return port and is used to read the unique identification information on the equipment. The payment and control module is configured such that when the user inserts the device back from the delivery / return port, the device identity is verified by the identity recognition module. After successful verification, the delivery mechanism is controlled to return the device to the original clamping channel or the designated empty space.

6. A smart retail terminal for exercise equipment with handles according to claim 5, characterized in that, The payment and control module is also configured to: when a user applies for a trial, retrieve the designated equipment from the storage unit and release it outside the cabinet, while starting a timer; if the user inserts the equipment back and verifies it before the timer ends, no deduction will be made; if the user fails to insert the equipment back or confirm the purchase within the time limit, the transaction settlement will be completed.

7. A smart retail terminal for sports equipment with handles according to claim 5, characterized in that, The unique identifier on the sports equipment with handles is a QR code, RFID tag, or NFC tag, and the identification module is the corresponding barcode scanner or card reader; the delivery / recycling port is equipped with a guide groove to help the equipment with handles be accurately inserted into the designated position inside the cabinet.

8. A smart retail terminal for sports equipment with handles according to claim 1, characterized in that, The payment and control module supports at least one of the following payment methods: QR code payment, card payment, and facial recognition payment. The retail terminal records the inventory status of each clamping channel through software: when the equipment is successfully shipped, the system automatically marks the corresponding clamping channel as empty; when the equipment is successfully retrieved, the system automatically marks the corresponding clamping channel as full; there is no need to install physical sensors in each clamping channel.

9. A smart retail method for sports equipment with handles, applied to a smart retail terminal for sports equipment with handles as described in any one of claims 1-8, characterized in that, Includes the following steps: Step A: Receive the user's selection of the exercise equipment with handles via the payment and control module; Step B: After the payment and control module confirms that the user has completed the transaction payment, the user is allowed to take the equipment. Step C: The payment and control module controls the shipping mechanism to retrieve the designated equipment from the stacked storage unit and release it to the shipping / recovery port, where the user can take the equipment. Step D: The payment and control module control software system updates the inventory status of the corresponding clamping channel.

10. A smart retail method for sports equipment with handles according to claim 9, characterized in that, It also includes a trial return process, which includes the following steps: Step E: The payment and control module receives the user's trial request, controls the shipping mechanism to retrieve the designated equipment from the stacked storage unit and release it outside the cabinet, and starts the timer at the same time; Step F: If the user inserts the device back into the delivery / return port before the timer ends, the device identity is verified by the identity recognition module. Once the verification is successful, the payment and control module controls the delivery mechanism to send the device back to the storage location without any deduction. Step G: If the user fails to reconnect the exercise equipment with handles within the time limit or confirms the purchase before reconnecting the exercise equipment with handles, the payment and control module will complete the transaction settlement.

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