Golf Cart Vending Unit With Removable Concession Modules
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Golfers on courses face the inconvenience of having to leave their playing area to purchase food and beverages, disrupting their game and increasing costs for golf courses due to the need for retail buildings, while existing vending solutions lack reconfigurability, proper compartmentalization, and a separate power source.
Innovation Solution
A golf cart with a vending service unit that includes reconfigurable, compartmentalized drawers for hot and cold items, a separate power source, and removable concession modules, allowing for efficient and convenient vending of various goods without disrupting the golf cart's operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a mobile vending unit is attached to the golf cart, then retail services can be provided directly to golfers on the course, but the golf cart's operating space and maneuverability may be restricted
Solution Approach 1:
The vending service unit is divided into separate functional modules including drawers, counter, and concession modules that can be independently attached or removed from the golf cart, allowing the system to be segmented for easier installation and maintenance while providing comprehensive retail functionality
Solution Approach 2:
The golf cart is designed with universal mounting features and a multi-functional vending service unit that can serve multiple purposes: storing beverages in drawers, preparing food on the counter, and displaying additional items in concession modules, all while maintaining the cart's primary transportation function
2Quantity of substance
If multiple drawers and modules are added to the vending service unit, then storage and service capabilities are improved, but the weight of the golf cart increases
Solution Approach 1:
The vending service unit employs removable drawers and concession modules that can be dynamically added or removed based on service needs, allowing the system to adjust its weight and storage capacity rather than permanently carrying all components
Solution Approach 2:
Different drawers are designed with specific local qualities - refrigerated drawers for cold beverages, heated drawers for hot items, and dry storage drawers - allowing each component to be optimized for its specific function rather than using uniform heavy materials throughout
3Reliability
If a separate power source is included in the vending service unit, then operational independence is improved, but the overall system complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
A separate power source in the vending service unit acts as an intermediary between the golf cart's electrical system and the power-intensive vending equipment (refrigeration, heating, lighting), providing dedicated power capacity without overloading the cart's primary electrical system
Solution Approach 2:
The power system is segmented into two independent sources: the golf cart's battery for basic electrical needs and the vending unit's separate power source for high-demand equipment, allowing each to be sized and managed independently for optimal reliability
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed is a vending service unit that couples to a golf cart vehicle to form a golf cart with food and retail service features. The vending service unit includes modules that allow hot and cold food and beverages to be stored and sold, and other retail items such as tobacco, golf supplies, and ice to be displayed and sold from the golf cart with food and retail service features. The vending service unit includes removable concession modules that a vendor can easily and quickly replace and/or interchange. The disclosed vending service unit includes drawers that allow different types of beverage to be stored and sold. The drawers are individually insulated and can be individually heated or chilled for different food temperatures and types. The vending service unit includes a counter surface that can be used to set items upon and upon which to conduct business.