Bottle Dispenser Ramp Layout for Easy Upper-Shelf Stocking
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Solution Overview
Problem
In grocery and convenience stores, the uppermost shelves are often underutilized due to inconvenience for stocking and dispensing containers, particularly for bottles on the rearward rows, leading to unutilized space.
Innovation Solution
A container dispenser with a housing featuring inclined ramps and a loading mechanism that aligns and moves containers from a loading opening to a dispensing opening, including shock absorption features to facilitate easy stocking and dispensing, reducing the likelihood of jamming and physical strain during the process.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If bottles are stocked in rows on the uppermost shelf, then storage capacity is improved, but accessibility for stocking and dispensing deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The uppermost shelf is segmented into two functional zones: a storage area where multiple bottles are arranged in rows, and a dispensing area with a mechanical dispenser mechanism. This segmentation allows the system to maintain high storage capacity while providing easy access through the automated dispenser that presents bottles at the front edge of the shelf.
Solution Approach 2:
The dispenser mechanism enables self-service operation where the system automatically presents and dispenses bottles to customers without requiring staff to reach onto the upper shelf. The mechanical system includes a presentation area that automatically positions bottles for customer access, eliminating the accessibility problem while maintaining row-based storage.
2Quantity of substance
If bottles are placed in rearward rows on the upper shelf, then storage density is improved, but ease of retrieval deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The dispenser mechanism acts as an intermediary between the rearward stored bottles and the customer. Bottles are stored densely in rows at the rear of the shelf, and the mechanical dispenser automatically retrieves and presents them at the front edge. This intermediary system eliminates the need for customers or staff to directly access rearward bottles, maintaining both high storage density and easy retrieval.
Solution Approach 2:
The system transitions from direct horizontal access to a two-stage process: vertical storage arrangement in rearward rows combined with horizontal presentation at the front edge through the dispenser mechanism. This dimensional approach allows dense rearward storage while providing easy front-edge retrieval through the automated system.
3Area of stationary object
If the uppermost shelf is fully utilized with row-based storage, then space utilization is improved, but physical strain on stockpersons worsens
Solution Approach 1:
The dispenser mechanism performs the physically demanding task of retrieving bottles from the upper shelf automatically. Stockpersons only need to place bottles into the dispenser's loading area, which is positioned at a convenient height. The mechanical system then handles all subsequent retrieval and presentation operations, eliminating physical strain while maintaining full space utilization through row-based storage.
Solution Approach 2:
The workflow is segmented into two tasks: stockpersons perform the easy task of placing bottles into the dispenser's loading area, while the mechanical system performs the difficult task of retrieving bottles from the upper shelf. This segmentation of labor based on physical capability allows full shelf utilization without straining stockpersons.
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
The dispenser allows for efficient and convenient stocking and dispensing of containers on upper shelves, minimizing physical effort and reducing jamming issues, thereby optimizing storage and retrieval from hard-to-reach areas.
Implementation Method 1
The first inclined ramp has a first end and a second end. The first end is adjacent the inlet and the second end is positioned lower than the first end of the first ramp to provide a pathway for a container to roll from the first end of the first ramp to the second end of the first ramp.
Implementation Method 2
A shock absorption ramp has one end attached to the channel wall. A free, end of the shock absorption ramp extends into the channel to engage containers falling through the channel to absorb energy of the containers. The second end of the second ramp rests on an energy absorption member to also absorb energy from the container as the container falls onto the second end of the second ramp.
Data Source
AI summary
A dispenser for storing and dispensing containers having one or more passageways that provides a pathway for the containers. The dispenser includes an outlet for dispensing the containers and an inlet or opening for loading containers into the dispenser. The dispenser may include a plurality of shelves stackable on top of each other. The dispenser may include a housing and a moveable door. The dispenser may further include a stopper mechanism for blocking the movement of the containers within the passageway.