Cup dispensing apparatus in a beverage vending machine

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing cup dispensing apparatuses in beverage vending machines have complex structures and occupy large space, especially when multiple dispensing groups are required for different sized cups.

Innovation Solution

A cup dispensing apparatus with a support and release mechanism comprising three evenly distributed release segments that move tangentially to detach cups from a stack, housed in a wedge-shaped casing to optimize compactness and efficiency.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If multiple dispensing groups are used to dispense different sized cups, then the storage capacity and versatility are improved, but the device complexity and space occupation increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecapability to dispense different sized cupsVSAvoidstructure complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

A single releasing device is designed to handle multiple cup sizes through adjustable support elements. The support elements can be positioned at different heights and locations to accommodate various cup diameters and heights, allowing one device to perform the function of multiple specialized devices.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The releasing device is divided into multiple independent support elements distributed around the cup stack. Each support element can be independently adjusted or positioned, allowing the device to adapt to different cup sizes while maintaining a modular and manageable structure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Adaptability or versatility

If multiple dispensing groups are used to dispense different sized cups, then the storage capacity and versatility are improved, but the space occupation increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecapability to dispense different sized cupsVSAvoidspace occupation

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

A single releasing device is designed to handle multiple cup sizes through adjustable support elements. The support elements can be positioned at different heights and locations to accommodate various cup diameters and heights, allowing one device to perform the function of multiple specialized devices.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The support elements are arranged in a three-dimensional configuration around the cup stack, allowing vertical and radial adjustment. This spatial arrangement enables the device to accommodate different cup sizes without requiring additional horizontal space for separate dispensing groups.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

3Reliability

If cam release elements with spiral profile are used, then the cup release function is achieved, but the device complexity and manufacturing cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecup release functionVSAvoidmanufacturing simplicity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The releasing device is divided into multiple independent support elements distributed around the cup stack. Each support element can be independently adjusted or positioned, allowing the device to adapt to different cup sizes while maintaining a modular and manageable structure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Instead of using complex spiral cam profiles to achieve cup release, the invention uses simple support elements that can be vertically positioned and locked. The release mechanism inverts the approach by using straightforward vertical movement and locking rather than complex rotational cam action.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

Data Source

PatentEP3338256B1Cup dispensing apparatus in a beverage vending machine

Publication Date: 2019.07.17 EVOCA SPA

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AI summary

A cup dispensing apparatus in a beverage vending machine, the cup dispensing apparatus (1) comprising at least one magazine (5) adapted to accommodate a stack (7) of cups (2), and a releasing device (8), which has a vertical channel (10) designed to be engaged by the stack (7) of cups (2), is configured to support the stack (7) and release, when operated, the last cup (2) from the bottom of the stack (7), and is equipped with at least three releasing elements (13) movable on a horizontal plane in respective directions substantially tangential to said channel (10), between a rest position, in which they define a horizontal first support plane (24) designed to be engaged by the last cup (2) to support the stack (7), and a release position, in which they define a second support plane (25) at a higher level than the first support plane (24) and designed to be engaged by the penultimate cup (2) to support the rest of the stack (7); each releasing device (8) has an associated separating device (35) adapted to impart a downward detaching thrust on the last cup (2) when the respective releasing element (13) reaches the release position.