Automatic beverage vending machine
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing automatic beverage vending machines face challenges in quickly installing and replacing sub-assemblies due to the complexity of connecting elements, which requires tools and mechanical implements, hindering efficient reconfiguration and adaptation to new dispensing requirements.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a quick coupling and locking device with retention pins and shaped attachment plates allows for independent installation, removal, and replacement of dispensing assemblies without loose fasteners or tools, enabling easy reconfiguration and adaptation to new dispensing requirements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional connecting elements (screws, pins, Seeger rings) are used to fix sub-assemblies, then high stability is guaranteed, but the installation and replacement process requires tools and mechanical implements, increasing operator effort and time
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical fastening systems (screws, pins, Seeger rings requiring tools) with a cam-based locking mechanism that uses rotational motion to engage and lock retention elements into recesses, eliminating the need for external tools while maintaining connection stability
Solution Approach 2:
The coupling device enables self-service installation and replacement where the operator directly manipulates the cam mechanism to engage or disengage sub-assemblies without requiring additional fasteners or mechanical implements, making the system self-sufficient for maintenance operations
2Reliability
If traditional connecting elements are used, then stable connection is achieved, but the process of installing and replacing sub-assemblies takes more time and effort
Solution Approach 1:
The patent substitutes multi-step mechanical fastening operations with a single rotational cam action that simultaneously engages multiple retention elements, dramatically reducing the time required for installation and replacement while ensuring stable connections through positive locking into recesses
Solution Approach 2:
The cam mechanism is pre-configured with retention elements and recesses positioned to automatically engage when the sub-assembly is brought into place, eliminating the need for sequential fastening operations and reducing installation time to a single locking motion
3Reliability
If traditional fasteners are used, then secure attachment is achieved, but reconfiguration and adaptation of machines requires tools and mechanical implements
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling device enables operators to independently reconfigure and adapt the vending machine by directly manipulating the cam mechanism to attach or detach different sub-assemblies (such as cup dispensers or lid dispensers) without requiring tools, thereby improving adaptability and versatility for reconfiguration purposes
Data Source
AI summary
An automatic beverage vending machine having a cabinet and closed by a door houses a beverage preparation assembly and at least one dispensing assembly of bodies for containing/mixing the same beverages; the dispensing assembly of containment/mixing bodies being coupled to the door by means of a quick coupling and locking device having at least one pair of retention pins stably connected to the dispensing assembly and a shaped retention plate stably connected to the door and delimiting for each retention pin a guide slot configured to be crossed by an attachment head of the retention pin and to guide a shaft of the same retention pin.