Conveyor Module Docking System for Reverse Vending Machine Maintenance
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
The reliability of reverse vending machines decreases over time due to conveyor belt contamination, and cleaning these belts is troublesome because they are not fully accessible.
Innovation Solution
A conveyor module docking system that allows for detachable and tool-free mounting of the conveyor module to the docking unit, featuring a drive train separation with a driving part in the docking unit and a driven part in the conveyor module, enabling easy detachment for cleaning and simplifying the module's structure, with wireless power and signal transmission, and magnetic or snap connections for secure attachment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If the conveyor module is permanently attached to the docking unit, then the structural integrity and stability are improved, but the maintainability and ease of cleaning deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The conveyor system is divided into separate modular components: a conveyor module and a docking unit. The conveyor module can be detached from the docking unit, allowing the stable structural components to remain permanently attached while the contaminated conveyor belt module can be easily removed for cleaning or replacement.
Solution Approach 2:
The attachment system transitions from a static permanent connection to a dynamic detachable connection. The conveyor module can be attached to or detached from the docking unit as needed, providing the stability of a permanent installation when attached and the ease of maintenance when detached.
2Ease of operation
If the conveyor module is made detachable for easy cleaning, then the ease of operation is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The attachment mechanism is segmented into simple, discrete components that can be easily engaged and disengaged. The docking unit and conveyor module have complementary attachment features that require no complex assembly instructions or specialized tools.
Solution Approach 2:
The attachment and detachment operations are designed to be self-service, requiring no external tools or complex procedures. The simple mechanical attachment features allow store personnel to perform cleaning maintenance independently without requiring technical expertise or specialized equipment.
3Device complexity
If the drive train is integrated into the conveyor module, then the device complexity is reduced, but the ease of repair and cleaning deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The drive train is separated into two segments: the driving part remains in the stationary docking unit, while the driven part is integrated into the movable conveyor module. This segmentation allows the simple conveyor module to be easily detached for cleaning while the complex driving mechanisms remain protected in the docking unit.
Solution Approach 2:
The driving part of the drive train is extracted from the conveyor module and placed in the docking unit. This extraction simplifies the conveyor module structure, making it lighter and easier to clean, while the driven part remains in the module where it is needed for direct drive operation.
4Strength
If screws and external tools are used for attachment, then the secure mounting is improved, but the ease of operation and productivity deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The attachment system is designed as a self-service mechanism that does not require external tools. The simple mechanical attachment features can be engaged and disengaged by hand, allowing rapid detachment for cleaning without requiring screwdrivers, wrenches, or other external tools, thereby significantly improving cleaning efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The attachment system provides dynamic mounting that is both secure when attached and quickly releasable when needed. The mechanical attachment features maintain strong holding force during operation but can be rapidly released by simple manual action, enabling frequent cleaning cycles without productivity loss.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
The invention relates to a conveyor module (1) for a reverse vending machine, which is mountable to a docking unit (2), and comprises at least one conveyor belt (6); a housing (7) for supporting the at least one conveyor belt (6), and a force receiving element (38) for receiving a driving power for driving the at least one conveyor belt (6), which force receiving element (38) is accessible from outside of the conveyor module (1) through an opening (42) in the housing (7). Further, the invention relates to a docking unit (2) for a conveyor module (1) of a reverse vending machine, comprising a housing (14), and a force feed element (16) for outputting a driving power to the conveyor module (1), which force feed element (16) is accessible from outside of the docking unit (2) by partially projecting through an opening in the housing (14).