Bagged Ice Dispenser Carriage Layout for Uniform Row Stacking

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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 system, allowing for horizontal movement and selective dispensing into predetermined stacking positions, eliminating the need for rotation and optimizing storage space.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of manufacture

If bags are stacked in a pyramid shape in the storage compartment, then the stacking process is simple, but the storage capacity is underutilized and manual leveling is required frequently

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestacking process simplicityVSAvoidstorage capacity utilization

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The storage compartment is divided into multiple stacking positions arranged in rows, and bags are distributed to different positions rather than forming a single pyramid stack. This segmentation allows parallel stacking operations and maximizes space utilization.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The invention transitions from vertical pyramid stacking to a two-dimensional grid arrangement with multiple rows and columns of stacking positions. This dimensional change enables more efficient space utilization and eliminates the need for manual leveling.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Quantity of substance

If storage compartment capacity is increased to handle peak demand, then more ice bags can be stored, but the ice making unit cannot keep up with demand during peak periods

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestorage compartment capacityVSAvoidice making rate

Core Design Contradiction:

Quantity of substanceVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The system prepares stacking positions in advance and distributes bags as they are produced, rather than waiting for large batches. This preliminary arrangement of stacking positions enables continuous operation without bottlenecks during peak demand.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The distribution system dynamically assigns bags to different stacking positions based on current storage levels, allowing flexible adaptation to varying demand rates and optimizing the utilization of available storage capacity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

3Quantity of substance

If manual leveling of ice cube bags is performed frequently, then storage capacity utilization is maintained, but employee safety risks increase and resources are diverted from other tasks

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestorage capacity utilizationVSAvoidemployee safety and resource allocation

Core Design Contradiction:

Quantity of substanceVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The system automatically distributes and levels bags into the storage compartment without human intervention. The automated distribution mechanism performs the leveling function inherently as part of the stacking process, eliminating the need for manual safety risks.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The manual mechanical operation of leveling bags by hand is replaced with an automated distribution mechanism that uses conveyors and positioning systems to achieve the same leveling effect safely and efficiently.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

4Quantity of substance

If a compact distribution apparatus is used to distribute bags into multiple rows, then storage capacity is maximized, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestorage capacity utilizationVSAvoiddistribution apparatus complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Quantity of substanceVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The distribution apparatus is designed to perform multiple functions: conveying bags, positioning them in specific rows and columns, and distributing them to different stacking positions. This multi-functionality achieves compact efficient distribution without proportionally increasing complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

A carriage system acts as an intermediary between the bag supply and the multiple stacking positions, enabling centralized control of distribution to various locations while simplifying the overall system architecture.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentUS11598569B1Method and apparatus for storing and dispensing bagged ice

Publication Date: 2023.03.07 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.