Cup Tube Restraint Structure for Bottom Loading and Damage Prevention
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current cup storage systems for beverage dispensing machines are prone to damage during loading, cleaning, and adjustment, and top loading can be difficult, requiring additional equipment to access the top of the storage apparatus.
Innovation Solution
A cup storage device with a tube design featuring resilient cup restraining members and a guide structure that allows bottom loading and easy replacement, where the restraining members flex to accommodate cup insertion and remain within a recess to prevent damage, and a removably connected cup dispensing structure for improved retention and alignment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If top loading is used for cup storage, then cups can be stored in a vertical array, but loading becomes difficult and requires additional equipment like ladders
Solution Approach 1:
The patent inverts the traditional top-loading approach by implementing bottom loading. Cups are loaded from the bottom of the storage device through an open end, eliminating the need for ladders or other access equipment. The resilient cup restraining members are positioned to engage cups from below, allowing easy insertion while maintaining secure retention during dispensing operations.
2Reliability
If traditional cup storage structures are used, then cups can be stored vertically, but the retention structures are prone to damage during loading, cleaning, and adjusting
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the physical parameters of the retention structures by making them resilient rather than rigid. The cup restraining members are designed with elastic properties that allow them to flex and deform during loading and cleaning operations, then return to their original shape. This resilience prevents permanent damage while maintaining effective cup retention during normal dispensing operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The retention structures transition from static rigid components to dynamic resilient elements. The cup restraining members can dynamically adjust their position and shape in response to external forces during loading, cleaning, and adjusting operations, absorbing impacts without damage. During normal operation, they maintain sufficient rigidity to securely hold cups in place.
3Strength
If rigid retention structures are used, then cups are securely held, but the structures are prone to damage during loading and cleaning
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the mechanical properties of the retention structures from rigid to resilient. The cup restraining members are made of elastic material that can deform under load during loading and cleaning operations, then recover their original shape. This parameter change allows the structures to maintain sufficient retention strength during normal operation while being durable enough to withstand occasional mishandling without permanent damage.
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
Enables safe and easy loading and unloading of cups from either end, reducing damage and simplifying maintenance, while maintaining cup alignment and retention within the device.
Implementation Method 1
A plurality of resilient cup restraining members is disposed on the inner surface of the tube at the dispensing end. The cup restraining members extend from a mounting end proximate the inner surface of the tube to a contact end.
Data Source
AI summary
The cup storage device includes a tube having opposing dispensing and terminal ends and inner and outer surfaces that define an inner volume. The inner volume receives cups stacked upon each other and stores them. The cup storage device includes a plurality of resilient cup restraining members disposed on the inner surface of the tube at the dispensing end. The cup restraining members extend from a mounting end proximate the inner surface of the tube to a contact end. A guide structure is positioned on the inner surface of the tube. The guide structure defines a recess. The contact ends of the plurality of cup restraining members are disposed within the recess.