Cup Holder with Adjustable Retention for Multi-Size Beverage Vending
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing cup holders in beverage vending machines face issues with bulkiness, limited size adaptability, stability, and hygiene due to frequent cleaning needs, especially when handling cups of different dimensions and requiring complex maintenance.
Innovation Solution
A cup holder with adjustable retention members controlled by an electric actuator and transmission system, allowing for adaptable cup sizing and easy maintenance by quick detachment of electrical components, combined with an electronic control system for precise positioning and cleaning.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple cup holders of different dimensions are equipped to handle various cup sizes, then cup size adaptability is improved, but device bulkiness and space occupation increase
Solution Approach 1:
The cup holder employs adjustable retention members that can dynamically change their position and configuration to accommodate different cup sizes. The retention members are movable along the cup holder's interior surface, allowing the holding space to be dynamically adjusted from small to large cup dimensions without requiring multiple fixed-size holders.
Solution Approach 2:
A single cup holder structure is designed to perform multiple functions by accommodating various cup sizes through adjustable retention members. This universal design eliminates the need for multiple dedicated cup holders for different cup types, thereby reducing overall space occupation while maintaining versatility.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a funnel-shaped cup holder is used to hold various cup dimensions, then cup size adaptability is improved, but cup stability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The retention members can dynamically adjust their position to match the specific cup size being held. When a small cup is placed, the retention members move inward to provide a snug fit; when a large cup is placed, they move outward accordingly. This dynamic adjustment ensures optimal stability for each cup size rather than relying on a fixed funnel shape that compromises stability.
Solution Approach 2:
Different portions of the cup holder's interior can have different retention characteristics. The retention members are positioned and configured to provide localized contact points that match the specific geometry of the cup being held, ensuring stable contact and support tailored to each cup's dimensions rather than a uniform funnel shape.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If frequent cleaning of the cup holder is performed to maintain hygiene, then hygiene is improved, but operational time is reduced due to maintenance interruptions
Solution Approach 1:
The cup holder is designed with detachable retention members that can be easily separated from the main body. This segmentation allows the retention members to be quickly removed for cleaning while the main cup holder structure remains in place, enabling rapid maintenance without requiring complete disassembly or prolonged operational interruption.
Solution Approach 2:
The retention members are designed to be easily removable and reattachable by the user without requiring complex tools or procedures. This self-service design enables operators to quickly clean the retention members during or between operational periods, maintaining hygiene with minimal impact on overall system productivity.
4Object-affected harmful factors
If the cup holder is completely removed for in-depth cleaning, then hygiene is improved, but device complexity and maintenance difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The cup holder system is segmented into a main body and detachable retention members. This segmentation allows cleaning to be focused on the removable retention members without requiring removal of the entire cup holder assembly from the beverage preparation system, thereby simplifying the cleaning process while maintaining hygiene standards.
Solution Approach 2:
The retention members are extracted as separate, independently cleanable components from the main cup holder structure. This extraction allows targeted cleaning of the parts that come into direct contact with cups and beverages, achieving effective hygiene maintenance without the complexity of removing and cleaning the entire assembly.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The solution provides stable cup retention for various sizes, reduces bulkiness, and facilitates efficient cleaning without damaging electrical parts, enhancing hygiene and operational efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
a cup retention device arranged in the cup dropping channel to retain the cup fed to the cup dropping channel each time. The cup retention device comprises a plurality of retention members which define therebetween a retention area coaxial to the axis and designed to be occupied by the cup when the latter is supported by the retention members. The retention members are slidably mounted on the housing to slide in respective radial directions relative to the axis so as to widen or reduce the retention area according to the dimension of the cup to be held. In order to move the retention members, the cup holder comprises an electric actuator and a transmission designed and arranged to transform a rotary motion from the electric actuator into a simultaneous linear motion of the retention members along the respective radial directions.
Data Source
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AI summary
A cup holder (1) designed to be mounted in a beverage vending machine to support an individual cup (2) in a filling station and/or in a picking station; the cup holder (1) having a vertical axis (5) and comprising a frame (3) and a cup retention device (8), which is supported by the frame (3) and defines a cup retention area (A) designed to be occupied by a cup (2) when the cup (2) is supported by the cup retention device (8). The cup holder (1) further comprises an electric actuator (9), which is kinematically coupled to the cup retention device (8) to move the cup retention device (8), thus adapting the dimension of the cup retention area (A) to the dimension of the cup (2), and is mounted on the frame (3) via a quick engagement/disengagement device (35) configured to enable the electric actuator (9) to be easily and quickly mounted and dismounted, with a few simple operations, on/from the rest of the cup holder (1).