Contactless Vending Dispensing With Proximity Selection and UV-C Hygiene

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Solution Overview

Problem

Consumers prefer to dispense products in a contactless manner to avoid physically touching devices such as vending machines or beverage dispensers, which can spread germs and are often perceived as unsanitary.

Innovation Solution

A vending machine with a transparent panel, proximity sensors, and a delivery portal that allows product selection and dispensing without physical contact, featuring UV-C sanitation and contactless payment options, along with mobile device integration for selection and confirmation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If consumers manually operate vending machines or beverage dispensers, then product selection and dispensing can be completed, but consumers are required to physically touch the devices which can spread germs and are perceived as unsanitary

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecontactless operationVSAvoidgerm transmission

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces mechanical contact-based operation (buttons, touchscreens, door handles) with sensor-based detection systems. Proximity sensors detect consumer presence and hand gestures, while cameras capture facial expressions and hand movements to interpret product selection intent, eliminating the need for physical contact with the device

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces an intermediary detection system between the consumer and the product dispensing mechanism. Sensors and cameras act as intermediaries that translate consumer gestures and expressions into machine commands, allowing product selection without direct contact

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Ease of operation

If proximity sensors and contactless detection systems are added to vending machines, then contactless product selection is enabled, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecontactless operationVSAvoidsensor integration

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs multi-functional sensor systems that perform multiple tasks. The same camera and sensor array used for contactless product selection also monitors for hands-free operation, tracks consumer interactions, and can potentially identify products through vision systems, reducing the need for separate specialized components for each function

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Object-affected harmful factors

If UV-C sanitation and contactless payment options are integrated, then hygiene and user convenience are enhanced, but manufacturing complexity and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvegerm transmissionVSAvoidmanufacturing complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements UV-C sanitation that activates automatically before product dispensing or after consumer interaction. The system performs preliminary sanitization of the dispensing area and product surfaces before the consumer receives the product, proactively eliminating germs rather than requiring post-contact cleaning

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The UV-C sanitation system operates autonomously based on sensor detection of consumer presence or product dispensing events. The machine self-sanitizes without requiring manual intervention, and contactless payment systems automatically process transactions without human assistance

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

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

Enables safe and hygienic product selection and dispensing by minimizing direct contact with the machine, reducing germ transmission, and enhancing user convenience through contactless operation and sanitation.

Implementation Method 1

The delivery portal may include an ultraviolet light source configured to produce UV-C radiation to sanitize a product in the delivery portal

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectUV-C radiation: Radiation

Implementation Method 2

a proximity sensor with the product storage compartment and corresponding to the row of products, wherein the proximity sensor is configured to detect a hand of a consumer within a predetermined detection distance of the proximity sensor

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectProximity detection:

Data Source

PatentUS12505716B2Contactless product dispensing systems and methods

Publication Date: 2025.12.23 PEPSICO INC

AI summary

A vending machine includes a housing defining a product storage compartment for storing products. The housing of the vending machine includes a delivery portal and a front portion having a transparent panel configured to allow a consumer to view the products within the product storage compartment. A row of products is arranged within the product storage compartment. A proximity sensor is arranged within the product storage compartment and corresponds to the row of products. The proximity sensor is configured to detect a hand of a consumer within a predetermined detection distance of the proximity sensor, and a product in the row of products is selected when the hand of the consumer is detected within the predetermined detection distance of the proximity sensor. The vending machine includes a dispensing mechanism configured to convey the selected product to the delivery portal.