Vending Machine Dispensing Device With Adjustable Side Walls
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vending machine dispensing devices are cumbersome and costly to adjust or replace when changing merchandise, as they require complete remodeling or new trays for different article widths, and standard belt drives can lead to inaccuracies in article positioning and jamming issues.
Innovation Solution
The dispensing device features an adjustable side wall and a support piece that can invert 180° to accommodate varying article widths and types, including hanging articles, with a motor-driven pusher and spindle system, and a motor control unit for precise torque control and position detection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If standard belt drive is used for power transmission, then the structure is simple and cost-effective, but the position of the pusher cannot be measured exactly and the machine may jam
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical belt drive system with a direct spindle-driven mechanism. The spindle, driven by a motor, directly propels the pusher along the transport path without intermediate belt transmission. This eliminates the measurement inaccuracies and jamming issues associated with belt drives while maintaining structural simplicity and cost-effectiveness.
2Device complexity
If fixed-width pushing channels are used, then the device structure is simple, but the device cannot adapt to different merchandise article widths
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces adjustable side walls that can be positioned at different distances from the support piece, allowing the transport path width to be dynamically adjusted according to the width of different merchandise articles. This maintains structural simplicity while providing adaptability through movable components rather than fixed structures.
Solution Approach 2:
The support piece is designed to serve multiple functions: it provides structural support for the motor and spindle, guides the pusher, and serves as a reference for positioning the adjustable side walls. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional components, maintaining device simplicity while enabling width adaptation.
3Device complexity
If the support piece is fixed in one position, then the structure is simple, but the device cannot accommodate both standing and hanging merchandise
Solution Approach 1:
The support piece is made rotatable about the longitudinal axis of the device, allowing it to switch between different operational configurations. In the first position, it forms the bottom of the transport path for standing articles; when rotated 180°, it supports hanging articles via the elongate support rail or loop. This dynamic reconfiguration enables versatility without requiring multiple separate structures.
4Manufacturing precision
If complete remodeling or new trays are provided for different article widths, then the dispensing accuracy is high, but the adjustment process is cumbersome and costly
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of requiring complete remodeling or replacement of trays, the patent employs adjustable side walls that can be repositioned along the support piece. This allows the transport path width to be modified for different article dimensions through simple adjustment rather than manufacturing new components, maintaining dispensing accuracy while significantly reducing adjustment complexity and cost.
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 quick, cost-effective adjustments and accurate dispensing of both standing and hanging merchandise, ensuring efficient operation and reduced maintenance costs by allowing adaptation to different article sizes and types without the need for extensive remodeling.
Implementation Method 1
a merchandise article pusher which is controllably driven by an electromotor via a spindle
Implementation Method 2
a carrier on the pusher with which the spindle rotatably engages
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3~4
AI summary
A dispensing device (1) for use in a vending machine, the device having at least one support piece (2) extending in the longitudinal direction of the device, the support piece being provided with a merchandise article pusher (3) which is controllably driven by an electromotor (6) via a spindle (7) and a carrier (8) on the pusher (3) with which the spindle (7) rotatably engages, wherein the pusher (3), in a controllable manner, is arranged to push articles of merchandise (9, 9'; 51) with or without packaging towards a dispensing end (10) of a side wall equipped transport path (11). The distance (d1; d2) of the side wall (12; 13) from an adjacent, longitudinal side (2'; 2") of the support piece (2) is adjustable for adaptation of the width (d3) of the transport path to the width of the merchandise articles that are to be moved along the transport path and successively dispensed. The support piece (2) is in a first position of use designed to form the bottom of the transport path (11), and the support piece is in a second position of use, which is inverted 180° about the longitudinal axis of the device relative to its first position of use, designed to have mounted thereon an elongate merchandise article hanger (47) which extends along the transport path on the support piece, the article hanger being designed for sliding engagement with a suspension hole (50) in packaging (51) or a suspension tab for the merchandise article. The support piece forms support for the motor, spindle (7) and drive gear (14, 15) between the motor (6) and the spindle (7), and forms a guide for the pusher (3; 3, 3') and its carrier (8).