Gravity-Based Storage Unit for Vending Machine Product Returns
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Combination vending machines lack a storage mechanism for products returned in excess of those dispensed, necessitating a solution for temporary storage before sorting, especially for items like CO2 cylinders, without the need for a conveyor belt or drop-in bin.
Innovation Solution
A storage device with a receiving unit and storage unit designed for products to transfer via gravity, utilizing pivoting mechanisms and inclined planes to align and store products, allowing for temporary storage without manual intervention.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If a conveyor belt or drop-in bin is installed for product storage, then product storage capability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the storage function from complex conveyor systems and implements it through a simple gravity-based receiving unit with a storage unit positioned higher than the dispensing unit. This eliminates the need for conveyors while maintaining storage capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses gravity as a free energy source to automatically transport products from the receiving unit to the storage unit and from the storage unit to the dispensing unit, eliminating the need for mechanical conveyors or additional drives.
2Productivity
If products are stored temporarily before sorting, then productivity is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a gravity-based equipotential system where the receiving unit, storage unit, and dispensing unit are positioned at different heights to enable automatic product flow. The storage unit is positioned higher than both the receiving and dispensing units, allowing gravity to drive product movement without additional energy input.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts product flow through gravity-based mechanisms, allowing products to move automatically from the receiving unit to the storage unit and then to the dispensing unit based on their weight and the gravitational force, improving productivity without complex controls.
3Ease of operation
If a gravity-based transfer mechanism is used, then ease of operation is improved, but manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by positioning the storage unit at a specific higher elevation than both the receiving and dispensing units, creating a localized gravity gradient that enables automatic product flow. This localized height differential provides the necessary gravitational force for easy operation while maintaining reasonable manufacturing tolerances.
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 efficient, space-saving storage and retrieval of products within combination vending machines, preventing damage and facilitating aligned storage of items like CO2 cylinders, with no additional drive required.
Implementation Method 1
through contact of the receiving unit with the storage unit in a first position, the product can be transported from the receiving unit into the storage unit due to gravity, and through contact of the receiving unit with the storage unit in a second position, the product can be transported from the storage unit into the receiving unit due to gravity
Data Source
Figure 1(a)~2
Figure 3~5
Figure 6~7
AI summary
The present invention relates to a storage device for storing products in a combination vending machine, with a receiving unit for receiving at least one product, wherein the product can be inserted into or removed from the receiving unit through an input opening, with a storage unit for storing at least one product within the combination vending machine, wherein the receiving unit and the storage unit have edge regions corresponding to one another, so that by contact of the receiving unit with the storage unit in a first position the product can be transported from the receiving unit into the storage unit due to gravity, and by contact of the receiving unit with the storage unit in a second position the product can be transported from the storage unit into the receiving unit due to gravity.The present invention further relates to a vending machine and a method for returning or dispensing products using a combination vending machine.