Back-to-Back Product Discharging Devices with Shared Drive
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing product dispensing systems for vending machines are inflexible and costly, particularly when dealing with odd numbers of product storage passages, as they require multiple drive sources and are difficult to separate for individual use, limiting their application to even-numbered configurations.
Innovation Solution
A product dispensing system with coupled first and second product discharging devices, each with a drive source and a driving force applying unit that alternates between them based on discharge commands, and a control unit for sold-out processing, allowing for flexible operation regardless of the number of adjacent storage passages.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple drive sources are used for each product discharging device, then each device can operate independently, but the manufacturing cost increases and the system becomes complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple product discharging devices into a single integrated unit with one drive source. The drive source rotates a cam member that sequentially actuates both the first and second product discharging devices, allowing them to share common components (drive source, cam member, linkages) while maintaining independent operation capability through sequential activation based on discharge commands.
Solution Approach 2:
The single drive source is designed to perform multiple functions by sequentially driving both product discharging devices. The cam member with multiple lobes enables the drive source to alternate between activating the first device, second device, or both simultaneously, providing universal control from a single actuator.
2Ease of manufacture
If product discharging devices are coupled back to back to share drive sources, then manufacturing cost decreases, but the devices cannot be separated for individual use
Solution Approach 1:
The integrated product discharging device is segmented into independently controllable first and second discharging units, each with its own pedals and product storage passage interface. This segmentation allows the control system to activate only the required unit based on which product storage passage needs discharge, enabling the system to adapt to configurations with odd or even numbers of passages while maintaining cost efficiency through shared drive components.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically activates only the necessary product discharging device(s) based on real-time discharge commands. The cam member's rotation can be controlled to engage only the first device, only the second device, or both devices sequentially or simultaneously, providing dynamic adaptability to different operational requirements and passage configurations.
3Device complexity
If a single drive source controls multiple product discharging devices, then the number of drive sources decreases, but it becomes difficult to prevent multiple product discharge during power outages
Solution Approach 1:
The control system monitors the state of the cam member and the activation status of each product discharging device. During power outages or abnormal conditions, the control unit can detect when the cam member is in a position that would cause simultaneous or unintended activation of multiple devices and can intervene to prevent incorrect product discharge, ensuring reliability despite the shared drive source configuration.
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
This system reduces manufacturing costs, allows for flexible operation with both even and odd numbers of storage passages, and prevents multiple product discharge during power outages, enhancing antitheft capabilities and sales opportunities.
Implementation Method 1
The lower pedal and the upper pedal are linked to an AC solenoid as an actuator via a link and move forward to and backward from a product storage passage by supplying power to the AC solenoid
Implementation Method 2
the lower pedal moves forward to the product storage passage by a biasing force of a spring when the lowest product gets out of the lower pedal
Data Source
AI summary
A product dispensing system includes: a first product discharging device that is applied to a first product storage passage storing an input product in a vertical direction, regulates downward movement of the product stored in the first product storage passage in a standby state, and discharges a lowest product stored in the first product storage passage downward in an activated state; and a second product discharging device that is applied to a second product storage passage being adjacent to the first product storage passage and storing an input product in the vertical direction thereof, regulates downward movement of the product stored in the second product storage passage in a standby state, and discharges a lowest product stored in the second product storage passage downward in an activated state. The first product discharging device and the second product discharging device are coupled to each other back to back.