Rotating Barrel Layout for Multi-Size Cup And Capsule Dispensing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Beverage vending machines face the challenge of increased clutter and reduced storage capacity due to the need to accommodate various sizes of cups for different drinks, which complicates the selection and dispensing process.
Innovation Solution
A single barrel-based storage and dispensing device that integrates both capsules and cups of different sizes, utilizing grooves and bores to store and dispense consumables efficiently, allowing for a reduced footprint while maintaining a large selection of drinks and cup sizes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If separate carousels are used for storing capsules and cups of different sizes, then the beverage vending machine can offer a large variety of drinks and cup sizes, but the machine size and clutter increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the storage of capsules and cups of different sizes into a single barrel structure. The barrel contains both capsule columns and cup stacks arranged in the same rotating body, eliminating the need for separate carousels. This merging reduces the overall machine footprint while maintaining the ability to store and dispense multiple drink types and cup sizes through a unified rotating mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The single barrel serves multiple functions simultaneously: it stores capsules for different drink types, stores cups of various sizes, and provides a unified rotation mechanism for selecting both consumables. This multi-functional design replaces what would traditionally require separate dedicated storage systems, achieving space efficiency without sacrificing versatility.
2Area of stationary object
If a single barrel stores both capsules and cups, then the machine footprint is reduced, but the storage capacity for each consumable type may be limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent utilizes the vertical dimension within the barrel by arranging capsule columns and cup stacks in different radial and axial positions. Multiple cup stacks of different sizes are arranged vertically and radially within the same barrel volume, maximizing the use of three-dimensional space. This dimensional optimization allows sufficient storage capacity for both capsules and various cup sizes without increasing the machine's horizontal footprint.
3Ease of operation
If multiple cup sizes are stored in separate locations, then easy selection is achieved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the selection mechanisms for capsules and cups into a single barrel rotation system. By storing both consumable types in the same rotating barrel with clearly defined columns and stacks, the system simplifies the dispensing mechanism to one unified rotation action rather than requiring coordination between multiple independent carousels, thereby reducing mechanical complexity while maintaining ease of selection.
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a device (10) for storing and dispensing consumables (20) for an automatic beverage dispenser, the device (10) comprising: - a barrel (11) comprising an upper face (12), a lower face (13) and a cylindrical face (14) connecting the upper (12) and lower (13) faces, - a first set of housings (16) formed by several grooves arranged on the cylindrical face (14), - the first set of housings (16) being intended to store a first type of consumable (20), and - a second set of housings (17) formed by several bores passing through the barrel (11) between the upper (12) and lower (13) faces, - the second set of housings (17) being intended to store a second type of consumable.