Heated Snack Display Carousel for Controlled Vending
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vending machines are unsuitable for storing and selling heated snacks due to the need for carefully controlled conditions, and they lack the ability to display items with varied appearances.
Innovation Solution
A device comprising a rotatable carousel with compartments for snack containers, an electrical heating element, and heat distribution plate elements, allowing for the display and heating of snacks while enabling single container removal through a mechanism that rotates the base plate or tube relative to the base, with temperature regulation by a thermostat.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If a simple vending machine is used, then the device complexity is low, but it cannot provide controlled heating conditions for heated snacks
Solution Approach 1:
The device is segmented into distinct functional modules: a heating system with electrical heating elements and thermostats, a rotating carousel with compartments, and a display housing. This segmentation allows the heating function to be added without complicating the entire system, as each module operates independently but coordinates through the carousel rotation mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The carousel serves multiple functions: it stores multiple snack containers, rotates to bring different items to the dispensing position, and works in conjunction with the heating system to provide both heated and non-heated snack options. The heating elements can be selectively activated for different compartments, providing versatile temperature control.
2Illumination intensity
If a window is added to display items, then the visibility of snack appearance is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The display window is merged with the housing structure of the vending machine. The transparent or translucent panel is integrated into the existing housing design, allowing customers to view snacks through the housing rather than requiring a separate display structure. This combining approach provides visibility while minimizing additional complexity.
3Productivity
If a forwarding means is added to move items, then the productivity is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The carousel is designed to rotate dynamically to bring different snack containers to the dispensing position. A single rotating motion replaces the need for multiple individual item transport mechanisms, simplifying the forwarding system while maintaining high productivity. The rotation can be continuously adjusted to serve different compartments as needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The rotating carousel serves as both the storage structure and the forwarding mechanism. The same structural element that holds the snack containers also performs the function of moving items to the dispensing position, eliminating the need for separate conveyor belts or transfer mechanisms and reducing overall device complexity.
4Quantity of substance
If multiple compartments are added to the carousel, then the quantity of snack varieties is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The carousel is divided into multiple independent compartments, each capable of holding different snack containers. This segmentation allows for a variety of snack types to be stored and selectively dispensed. Each compartment can be independently heated or cooled, and the carousel rotation brings any compartment to the dispensing position, providing high variety without requiring complex individual access mechanisms for each storage location.
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 the display and sale of heated snacks with controlled heating and rotation, ensuring visibility and accessibility of items, while allowing for easy component replacement and temperature adjustment.
Implementation Method 1
an electrical heating element mounted on said base and extending through said hole or cut-out and into the lumen of said tube
Implementation Method 2
at least two protruding heat distribution plate elements, preferably of aluminium, copper, and mixtures thereof, distributed, preferably evenly, at the circumference of said tube
Data Source
Figure 1A~1B
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
The present invention relates to a device for displaying articles for sale. The device is provided with a rotatable carousel with integrated heating.