Container Presentation Holder for Self-Service Product Dispensing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing automatic dispensing devices require manual intervention for container size selection and dispensing, leading to inefficiencies and customer dissatisfaction, and lack the ability to accommodate customer-provided containers.
Innovation Solution
A semi-automated system and method for container presentation that includes a dispensing unit, collection unit with a holder, sensors, and a control unit to manage container movement and dispensing, allowing remote preparation and selection of appropriate container sizes, reducing manual labor and wait times.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If manual container loading and product dispensing is performed by staff members, then customer service quality is improved, but labor time and operational complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables self-service operation where customers can independently load their own containers, select products, and receive dispensed items without staff intervention. The automated dispensing machine handles container presentation, product dispensing, and container collection automatically, eliminating the need for staff to manually assist each customer while maintaining service quality.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary actions by pre-positioning containers in the holder and preparing the dispensing mechanism before customer arrival. Containers are automatically presented and ready for immediate use, and the dispensing system is pre-configured to quickly respond to customer selections, reducing wait time and manual preparation effort.
2Ease of operation
If staff members manually assist customers with container selection and dispensing, then customer satisfaction is improved, but operational efficiency deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The automated system allows customers to independently complete the entire process of container selection, product dispensing, and container collection. This self-service approach maintains customer satisfaction by providing personalized service while dramatically improving operational efficiency by eliminating the need for staff to repeatedly assist multiple customers.
Solution Approach 2:
The system replaces manual mechanical operations (staff loading containers, operating dispensing mechanisms, and collecting containers) with an automated control system that uses sensors, motors, and programmable logic to perform these functions automatically, thereby improving productivity while maintaining service quality.
3Device complexity
If conventional dispensing devices are used without container accommodation features, then device simplicity is maintained, but adaptability to customer requests deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system achieves multi-functionality by incorporating a versatile holder that can accommodate various container types and sizes, a flexible dispensing mechanism that can dispense different products, and a control system that can handle multiple customer requests. This universality allows the device to adapt to diverse customer needs while maintaining relatively simple operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates dynamic elements including movable container holders that can be automatically positioned, adjustable dispensing mechanisms that adapt to different container types, and a flexible control system that responds to varying customer requests. These dynamic features enable the device to adapt to different scenarios without requiring complex reconfiguration.
4Device complexity
If automated dispensing systems present single-sized containers, then device complexity is reduced, but customer satisfaction deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses dynamic container presentation where the holder automatically positions and presents different container sizes based on customer selection. The dispensing mechanism dynamically adjusts to match the selected container type, allowing customers to receive their preferred container size without requiring complex manual selection processes, thereby maintaining simplicity while improving satisfaction.
Data Source
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AI summary
Disclosed is system (100, 200) for semi-automated container presentation. System comprises dispensing unit (102) comprising storage unit (104), dispensing channel (106, 206) (DC), stopper (108) ; collection unit (110) comprising holder (112, 202) having slots (204) for receiving containers (208) that are sequentially presented below DC to receive dispensed product therein; driving arrangement (114) to move holder relative to dispensing unit to present first container (FC) below DC; sensor arrangement (116) comprising first (118) and second sensors (120); and control unit (122) configured to: receive first user input corresponding to selection of product; receive first sensor data (SD) related to position of FC, wherein when FC is below DC, prepare product for dispensing; and when FC is at first position move holder to present FC below DC, and prepare product for dispensing; receive second SD related to amount of dispensed product in FC, and when it is same as selection of product, actuate stopper to block DC from dispensing any further; and move holder to present FC for collection.