Bagged Ice Dispenser Layout for Even Two-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 distributes bags of ice evenly across two side-by-side rows within the storage compartment using a carriage and conveyor system, allowing for automated leveling and efficient use of space, without the need for rotating the article support, and can be integrated with a wheeled cart for enhanced capacity and convenience.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If bags are stacked in a pyramid shape in the storage compartment, then the stacking process is simple and automatic, but the storage capacity is underutilized and manual leveling is required frequently
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 eliminates the need for manual leveling by maintaining even distribution across all positions
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses sensors to automatically detect the height of bag stacks at each position and directs subsequent bags to positions that need more bags, enabling self-leveling without manual intervention. The apparatus serves itself by automatically maintaining uniform stack heights across all positions
2Quantity of substance
If the storage compartment is dimensioned with high capacity to cope with peak loads, then the storage capacity is increased, but the ice making units cannot keep up with demand and require external delivery
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts the distribution of bags to different stacking positions based on real-time sensor feedback about stack heights. This dynamic redistribution optimizes the use of available storage space and allows the system to cope with variable demand patterns more effectively
Solution Approach 2:
Sensors continuously monitor the height of bag stacks at each position and provide feedback to the control system, which then directs bags to positions that need them most. This feedback mechanism ensures optimal utilization of storage capacity and prevents both overfilling and underutilization
3Productivity
If manual leveling is performed frequently to maintain even bag distribution, then the storage capacity utilization is improved, but labor costs increase and employee safety is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The stacking apparatus automatically maintains even bag distribution across all positions using sensors and automated directing mechanisms, eliminating the need for manual leveling operations. The system serves itself by detecting and correcting imbalances without human intervention
Solution Approach 2:
The manual mechanical leveling operation is replaced with an automated system using sensors, controllers, and directed bag placement mechanisms. This substitution eliminates labor requirements while achieving the same or better storage optimization
Data Source
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.