Dispensing Machine Actuator Acoustic Indication for Visually Impaired
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing distribution machines are difficult for visually impaired individuals to navigate due to the lack of effective acoustic indication of open storage compartments, and retrofitting with existing acoustic systems is costly and complex.
Innovation Solution
A method that uses an energetic signal to automatically unlock and acoustically indicate the position of storage compartments, eliminating the need for loudspeakers and other components, allowing for a simpler and more cost-effective structure by repurposing the existing electronic operating control.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a loudspeaker system with multiple loudspeakers, cabling, amplifier, and control unit is installed to provide acoustic indication for visually impaired persons, then the acoustic indication function is achieved, but the device complexity and manufacturing cost increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The actuator of the locking device is made to serve dual functions: unlocking the compartment door and providing acoustic indication through vibrations. This eliminates the need for separate loudspeakers, amplifiers, and control units, thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining accessibility for visually impaired persons
Solution Approach 2:
The locking device's actuator generates acoustic signals by itself through vibrations during the unlocking process, without requiring external acoustic components. The actuator serves its own additional function of providing acoustic feedback, simplifying the overall system architecture
2Ease of operation
If a loudspeaker system with multiple components is installed to provide acoustic indication, then the acoustic indication function is achieved, but the manufacturing cost increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The actuator is designed to perform both locking/unlocking and acoustic indication functions, eliminating the need for separate loudspeaker, amplifier, and control unit components. This reduction in component count directly lowers manufacturing costs while maintaining the acoustic indication capability
Solution Approach 2:
The actuator's inherent vibration capability is utilized for acoustic indication without requiring expensive dedicated acoustic components. By using an existing component (the actuator) for dual purposes, the solution avoids the high costs associated with installing and maintaining separate acoustic systems
3Ease of operation
If conventional vending machines are retrofitted with an acoustic system like the one described in US 6185773 B1, then the acoustic indication function is achieved, but the retrofitting cost and complexity become prohibitively high
Solution Approach 1:
The actuator of the existing locking device provides acoustic indication through its own vibrations during the unlocking process. This self-service approach eliminates the need for retrofitting with separate acoustic components, making the solution highly suitable for existing vending machines without complex modifications
Solution Approach 2:
The actuator is made multi-functional by utilizing its vibration capability for acoustic indication in addition to its primary locking/unlocking function. This approach allows existing vending machines to gain acoustic indication capability without requiring separate acoustic systems, thereby simplifying retrofitting efforts
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 visually impaired users to locate open compartments acoustically, reducing retrofitting costs and complexity, while ensuring energy efficiency and effective guidance to the compartments.
Implementation Method 1
the locking devices each comprise an actuator (18) which is activated by means of an energy-carrying signal
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a method for operating a dispensing machine (1), wherein the dispensing machine (1) has a plurality of receiving compartments (2) with compartment doors (5) and locking apparatuses (6) for locking the receiving compartments (2). The locking apparatuses (6) each comprise an actuator (18) which is activated by means of an energized signal and the locking apparatuses (6) can be unlocked thereby in an automated manner. The dispensing machine (1) has an electronic operation control device (11), which operation control device (11) controls the processes of the dispensing machine (1). The following method steps are also provided: - inputting a command to the operation control device (11) by the user and selecting a receiving compartment (2) to be opened by the user or the operation control device (11); - unlocking the compartment door (5) of the selected receiving compartment (2) in an automated manner by applying an energized signal to the actuator (18) of the locking apparatus (6); - acoustically indicating the unlocked receiving compartment (2) by continuously applying the energized signal to the actuator (18) of the locking apparatus (6) repeatedly or for a limited period.