Method and apparatus for storing and dispensing bagged ice

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing ice dispensing machines in supermarkets face inefficiencies due to bags of ice being stacked in a pyramid shape, leading to underutilization of storage capacity and requiring frequent manual leveling, which is labor-intensive and unsafe, especially during peak demand periods.

Innovation Solution

A compact apparatus and method that evenly distributes bags of ice into two side-by-side rows within the storage compartment using a carriage-driven article support and conveyor system, allowing for controlled dispensing and leveling of bags without rotation, enabling efficient use of storage space and reducing labor costs.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Quantity of substance

If bags of ice are stacked in a pyramid shape in the storage compartment, then the storage compartment can be partially filled, but the storage capacity is underutilized and bags cannot be added until some are removed

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestorage capacity utilizationVSAvoidbag dispensing efficiency

Core Design Contradiction:

Quantity of substanceVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The storage compartment is divided into multiple stacking positions arranged in rows, with each position holding a separate stack of bags. This segmentation allows bags to be distributed across multiple locations rather than forming a single pyramid, maximizing the use of available storage space and enabling continuous operation without waiting for pyramid decomposition

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The system transitions from vertical pyramid stacking to a two-dimensional grid arrangement of stacking positions. By organizing bags in rows and columns across the storage compartment floor, the system utilizes horizontal space more effectively, allowing higher storage capacity utilization and enabling bags to be added to any position independently

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Stability of the object's composition

If manual leveling of ice cube bags is performed frequently, then the storage compartment can be kept organized, but employee work safety is compromised and resources are diverted from other purposes

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvebag stack organizationVSAvoidemployee work safety

Core Design Contradiction:

Stability of the object's compositionVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The bag distribution system automatically maintains organized stacks through the carriage mechanism that places bags in predetermined positions. The system self-regulates bag placement without requiring manual intervention, eliminating safety risks associated with employees working with frozen products while maintaining proper stack organization

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The manual mechanical action of employees leveling bags is replaced by an automated carriage system that transports and positions bags. This substitution eliminates the need for human employees to physically handle and reorganize frozen bags, removing the safety hazard while maintaining organizational stability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Quantity of substance

If the storage compartment is dimensioned with high capacity to cope with peak loads, then demand during festivals or hot weather can be met, but ice making units cannot keep up with demand and require manual restocking

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestorage compartment capacityVSAvoidice making unit output

Core Design Contradiction:

Quantity of substanceVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The system prepares multiple stacking positions in advance across the storage compartment, allowing bags to be distributed to various positions as they are produced. This preliminary arrangement of stacking positions enables the system to accept and organize bags at a rate that matches production capacity, preventing bottlenecks during peak demand periods

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The carriage system dynamically adjusts bag distribution based on real-time storage compartment status. By monitoring which stacking positions have available space and distributing bags accordingly, the system adapts to varying production rates and demand conditions, maximizing the utilization of available storage capacity without requiring manual intervention

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentUS20240353162A1Method and apparatus for storing and dispensing bagged ice

Publication Date: 2024.10.24 REDDY ICE LLC

AI summary

An article storage and dispensing apparatus and method in which articles made by series production are distributed from an article supplier into a storage compartment of predetermined dimensions for storage of articles in front and rear rows of article storage positions. An article distributor in the storage compartment has a carriage, a carriage drive which is configured to drive the carriage in a reversible horizontal carriage drive direction across at least part of the width of the storage compartment, and an article support mounted on the carriage and configured to receive articles from the article supplier above the support when the carriage is in a start position. An article dispenser is associated with the article support to dispense articles selectively in opposite horizontal dispensing directions transverse to the carriage drive direction off the front and rear ends of the support to drop into front and rear article rows.