Automated Cup Conveyance and Staging for Faster Beverage Dispensing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing automated beverage dispensing machines lack efficient systems for visually confirming cup supply levels and optimizing cup positioning, filling, and staging for improved user accessibility and operational efficiency.
Innovation Solution
The system incorporates a conveyance mechanism with indexed locations, a cup dispensing system, and a beverage dispensing system, along with visual indicators and transparent elements to monitor cup supply, and positions staging locations for enhanced accessibility, using gravity feed or linear actuators for cup loading and conveyance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If cups are stored in a linear configuration, then the machine structure is simple, but user accessibility and operational efficiency are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from a linear one-dimensional cup storage configuration to a two-dimensional grid arrangement with multiple rows and columns. This dimensional change allows cups to be accessed from multiple directions (front and sides), improving user accessibility while maintaining a compact footprint that doesn't significantly increase overall machine complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The cup storage system is divided into multiple independent cup holders arranged in a grid pattern, with each holder being individually accessible. The conveyance system is also segmented into multiple conveyors that can independently transport cups from different locations, allowing parallel operations and improving overall efficiency without requiring a completely complex reconfiguration
2Productivity
If a single conveyance system is used, then the device is simpler, but productivity and operational efficiency are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The conveyance system is divided into multiple independent conveyors, each responsible for transporting cups from specific cup holders to the dispensing location. This segmentation allows multiple cup transfer operations to occur simultaneously, increasing productivity while keeping each individual conveyor relatively simple in design
Solution Approach 2:
The multiple conveyors operate continuously and in parallel, ensuring that cup supply to the dispensing location is maintained without interruption. While one conveyor serves one cup holder, others simultaneously serve different holders, eliminating idle time and maintaining continuous productive action
3Loss of information
If cup supply levels are not visually monitored, then the device is simpler, but loss of information occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates visual indicators that change color or illuminate to indicate cup supply levels. When cups are low in any holder, corresponding indicators become visible to alert operators, providing immediate information about supply status without requiring complex electronic monitoring systems
Solution Approach 2:
Visual indicators serve as intermediaries between the physical cup inventory and the human operator. Instead of requiring direct inspection of cup levels or complex sensor systems, the indicators translate inventory status into easily observable visual signals that convey information efficiently
4Ease of operation
If staging locations are not optimized, then the machine structure is simpler, but ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
Staging locations are positioned at multiple spatial locations including the front and sides of the machine, creating a three-dimensional staging arrangement. This allows operators to access filled cups from multiple directions depending on their position, improving ergonomics and ease of operation without requiring complex automated retrieval mechanisms
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
Enhances user visibility of cup supply, improves operational efficiency by optimizing cup positioning and staging, and facilitates faster and more accurate beverage dispensing.
Implementation Method 1
A chute directs a cup from the supply of cups of the cup dispensing system to the cup loading location by a gravity feed
Data Source
AI summary
In an automated beverage dispensing system, a conveyance system defines a plurality of cup locations and operates to sequentially move the plurality of cup locations through a plurality of indexed locations. A cup dispensing system is configured to receive a supply of cups. The cup dispensing system is operable to dispense a cup to a cup loading location that coincides with an indexed location of the plurality of indexed locations. A beverage dispensing system is configured to dispense a beverage at a beverage dispense location of the plurality of indexed locations. A computer associates an ordered beverage to a cup location of the plurality of cup locations.