Dual Directional Gate Assembly for Compact Pushcart Vending
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing pushcart vending systems require wide-open areas for dispensing and returning pushcarts, which is inefficient in terms of space usage and staging area requirements, especially in compact settings like stores and shopping malls.
Innovation Solution
A compact pushcart dispensing and return system featuring foldable pushcarts, a vending unit, and a track with a dual directional gate assembly that allows pushcarts to be dispensed and returned from the same end of the track, utilizing a catch bar assembly with rollers and sensors for secure and efficient operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If pushcarts are dispensed from one end of a track and returned at the opposite end, then the vending system can operate with standard track configurations, but wide-open areas are required adjacent to the ends of the track, increasing the staging area and space requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the dispensing and return operations at the same location (one end of the track) rather than separating them at opposite ends. The gate assembly is positioned to control both pushout and return movements at a single station, eliminating the need for wide-open areas at multiple locations and reducing the overall staging area requirement.
Solution Approach 2:
The gate assembly serves multiple functions: it controls pushout of pushcarts during dispensing, controls return of pushcarts, and prevents unauthorized access to the track. By making the gate assembly multi-functional and positioning it at a single location, the system achieves both dispensing and return operations without requiring extensive staging areas.
2Area of stationary object
If a compact vending system uses a single track with dual directional gate assembly, then the staging area is reduced, but the gate assembly must control bidirectional movement of pushcarts
Solution Approach 1:
The gate assembly is designed to be dynamic rather than static, capable of moving between different positions to control bidirectional traffic. The gate can be positioned to allow pushout movement in one direction and then repositioned or configured to allow return movement in the opposite direction, enabling compact single-track operation with dual functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The gate assembly acts as an intermediary control mechanism between the vending unit and the track. It mediates the bidirectional movement by controlling access at a single point, allowing the system to maintain compact dimensions while managing both dispensing and return operations through a centralized control point.
3Volume of moving object
If foldable pushcarts are used in the vending system, then the pushcarts can be stored in a compact configuration on the track, but the pushcart design becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The pushcart incorporates foldable or collapsible elements that allow it to transition between an expanded operational configuration and a compact storage configuration. The frame or body sections can fold or nest together, reducing the volume occupied on the track when not in use, while maintaining full functionality when deployed.
Solution Approach 2:
The pushcart design allows components to nest within each other when folded or collapsed. Frame sections, wheels, or body elements are arranged to nest together in a compact configuration, minimizing the space required on the track during storage while preserving the full-size operational form when needed.
Data Source
AI summary
A dual directional gate that allows an object to move freely in one direction over the gate, but limits the removable of one object over the gate in the opposite direction. The gate assembly includes a blocking arm, a cam element and a protruding arm mounted on a rotating driver shaft. The gate assembly also includes a drive shaft parallel to said driver shaft. Mounted on the drive shaft is a latch mounted on the drive shaft with a proximal end that presses against the cam element and prevents rotation of the blocking arm towards the latch. Also mounted on the drive shaft is a biased follower rod with a distal end that contacts the protruding arm when rotated towards the drive shaft. The gate also includes a pivotally mounted sub-assembly coupled to a solenoid. When the solenoid is activated, the sub-assembly rotates which allows the latch to rotate and unblock the blocking arm and allow an object to forcibly move the blocking arm. Movement of the blocking arm causes the gate toy reset.