Dual-Drive Vending Bucket Layout for Internal Space Utilization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Vending machines often waste internal space due to structural constraints, limiting their storage and conveying capacity.
Innovation Solution
A bucket with a first and second driving mechanism, arranged at an interval with an included angle, that detachably mates with the dispensing assembly of the storage column, allowing for efficient power transmission and optimal use of internal space by positioning the inlet opposite to the storage column, enabling the bucket to fully utilize its space and improve storage and conveying capacity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a single driving mechanism is used in the bucket, then the structure is simple, but the internal space of the vending machine is wasted due to structural constraints
Solution Approach 1:
The single driving mechanism is divided into two separate driving mechanisms (first driving mechanism and second driving mechanism) positioned at different locations in the bucket. This segmentation allows each mechanism to independently drive the bucket to different positions, enabling full utilization of the vending machine's internal space while maintaining reasonable structural complexity through modular design
Solution Approach 2:
The two driving mechanisms are arranged in different spatial dimensions within the bucket, allowing the bucket to be driven to multiple positions along different axes. This dimensional arrangement enables the inlet to reach various storage columns throughout the vending machine, transforming a single-position limitation into multi-position capability and eliminating wasted space
2Volume of moving object
If the bucket is positioned to optimize space usage, then storage capacity improves, but the ability to provide power to dispensing assembly from any position is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The bucket is designed with dynamic positioning capability through two independent driving mechanisms, allowing it to move to different positions within the vending machine. This dynamic adaptability ensures that regardless of the bucket's position, at least one driving mechanism can maintain transmission connection with the dispensing assembly of the corresponding storage column, enabling power transmission from any position while optimizing storage capacity
Solution Approach 2:
Each driving mechanism is designed to be universally compatible with the dispensing assembly of storage columns at its respective position. The first driving mechanism can power dispensing assemblies in its coverage area, and the second driving mechanism provides the same function for other areas, creating a universal power transmission system that works from any bucket position
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed is a bucket applied in a vending machine, including a bucket body, a first driving mechanism and a second driving mechanism. The bucket body includes an inner cavity and two ports in communication with the inner cavity respectively. The two ports are arranged at an interval in a first preset direction. The first driving mechanism and the second driving mechanism are arranged at an interval in the bucket body in a second preset direction, and are respectively configured to detachably mate with a dispensing assembly of a storage column of the vending machine, to provide power to the dispensing assembly. Also disclosed is a vending machine including multiple storage columns and the aforementioned bucket.