Vending Machine Container Lock Heating to Prevent Screw Clogging

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing beverage vending machines fail to prevent steam from binding with soluble materials, leading to clogging of the dispensing device, typically a powered screw, at the bottom of the container.

Innovation Solution

Incorporation of a heating device with an electric resistor in the locking member of the vending machine, which is designed to heat the area around the screw and soluble material, preventing binding by ensuring effective heat distribution and concentration around the screw mechanism.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a heating device is added to prevent steam binding, then the reliability of the dispensing device is improved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedispensing device operationVSAvoidheating device integration

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The heating device is merged with the locking member structure. The electric resistor is integrated into the locking member that already exists in the vending machine, combining the locking function with the heating function in a single component. This eliminates the need for a separate heating装置 and reduces overall system complexity while maintaining reliability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The locking member is given multiple functions: it serves both as a mechanical locking component to secure the container and as a heating element to prevent steam binding. By making the locking member multi-functional, the patent avoids adding extra components and achieves reliable dispensing operation without increasing device complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Reliability

If heat is concentrated around the screw mechanism, then the binding prevention is improved, but the energy consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesteam binding preventionVSAvoidheating energy consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The heating function is applied locally only where needed - around the screw mechanism and soluble material area. The electric resistor is positioned to concentrate heat specifically in the region where steam binding occurs, rather than heating the entire container or cabinet. This localized heating approach prevents binding while minimizing overall energy consumption.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

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

This solution effectively prevents the soluble material from binding with steam, thereby avoiding clogging of the dispensing device and ensuring smooth operation of the vending machine, while maintaining a simple and cost-effective design.

Implementation Method 1

Incorporation of a heating device with an electric resistor in the locking member of the vending machine, which is designed to heat the area around the screw and soluble material

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectJoule heating: Joule Heating

Data Source

PatentEP2395886B1Beverage vending machine

Publication Date: 2015.04.08 N& W GLOBAL VENDING

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AI summary

A beverage vending machine (1) having a' cabinet (2) closed by a door (5); a 'supporting surface (10) housed inside the cabinet (2); a number of containers (11) for soluble material, located on the supporting surface (10); and a number of heating devices (44), each of which is incorporated in a locking member (34) for locking the container (11) to the supporting surface (10), and has an electric resistor (45).