Cup-Holder and Guard Mechanism for Compact Beverage Vending
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing beverage vending machines are excessively bulky, which complicates their design and increases manufacturing costs.
Innovation Solution
A compact beverage vending machine design featuring a cup-holder mechanism with a C-shaped member and cam transmission device to efficiently transfer cups between feed and mixing stations, along with a guard device for protecting nozzles and preventing vandalism, all controlled by a central control unit and motor reducer.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If a traditional beverage vending machine design is used, then the machine can dispense beverages, but the machine becomes extremely bulky and complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple functions into a single integrated mechanism. The cup holder serves both as a cup feeding mechanism and as part of the beverage dispensing system. The guard member is integrated with the cup holder structure, allowing it to perform both cup positioning and outlet protection functions simultaneously. This merging of functions reduces the number of separate components and simplifies the overall machine structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The cup holder is designed as a multi-functional component that performs multiple operations: it feeds cups to the mixing station, positions cups beneath the outlet, and works in conjunction with the guard member to protect the outlet. The guard member itself serves dual purposes by both protecting the outlet and assisting in the cup handling process. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate dedicated components for each function.
2Reliability
If protective measures are added to prevent vandalism, then the outlets are protected, but the machine structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The guard member is integrated with the cup holder mechanism rather than being a separate protective structure. The same moving component that handles cups also serves as the guard for the outlet. This integration means that the protective function is achieved without adding a separate complex guarding mechanism, thus maintaining structural simplicity while ensuring outlet protection.
Solution Approach 2:
The guard member is designed to be movable rather than fixed, allowing it to dynamically adjust its position. It can move to a cutoff position to separate the outlet from the pickup compartment when needed, and move away to allow cup access. This dynamic behavior provides effective protection while maintaining ease of operation and avoiding the need for complex fixed protective structures.
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
The design enhances the machine's compactness and simplicity, reducing manufacturing costs while ensuring efficient beverage dispensing and protection of internal components.
Implementation Method 1
transmission means interposed between the drive and the second member to move the second member to and from said cutoff position
Implementation Method 2
a cup-holder mechanism with a C-shaped member and cam transmission device to efficiently transfer cups between feed and mixing stations
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3~4
AI summary
A beverage vending machine (1) having a pickup compartment (5) accessible from the outside and having a beverage mixing station (14); a beverage dispensing device (16) having at least one outlet (15) located at the mixing station (14) in a fixed position facing the pickup compartment (5); a first member (17) for feeding a cup (7) into position beneath the outlet (15); and a second member (42) which is movable, past the outlet (15) and with respect to the first member (17), to and from a position separating the outlet (15) from the pickup compartment (5).