Merchandiser with sensing capabilities
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Solution Overview
Problem
Ice merchandisers lack convenience and efficiency in transactions, as customers need to purchase ice from nearby stores, and there is no direct payment system, leading to potential theft and increased monitoring needs.
Innovation Solution
An ice merchandiser with a built-in payment system that includes a mass determination module and a transaction module, allowing customers to purchase bagged ice directly by weighing the product and charging based on mass removed, along with an access control system and a self-elevating platform for ergonomic ice retrieval.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a built-in payment system with mass determination module is added to the ice merchandiser, then customer convenience and direct purchase capability are improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple functions (storage, weighing, payment processing, and access control) into a single integrated ice merchandiser unit. The payment system is merged with the existing merchandiser structure, allowing customers to purchase ice directly at the location without needing separate payment infrastructure at nearby stores.
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables customers to independently complete the entire purchase process by themselves - opening the door, removing ice, having the mass automatically determined by the load cell, and completing payment through the integrated payment system without requiring store staff assistance or monitoring.
2Reliability
If access control system is implemented to reduce theft, then security and loss prevention are improved, but device complexity and monitoring requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The access control system uses feedback from the payment system to automatically control door access. When payment is detected, the system provides feedback signal to unlock the door; when no payment is detected, the door remains locked. This automated feedback loop eliminates the need for manual monitoring while preventing theft.
Solution Approach 2:
The access control system acts as an intermediary between the payment system and the door mechanism. It receives payment information, processes the access decision, and controls the door lock accordingly, separating the payment function from the physical access function while maintaining their coordination.
3Ease of operation
If self-elevating platform is added for ergonomic ice retrieval, then customer comfort and injury prevention are improved, but device complexity and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The platform transitions from a static fixed position to a dynamic self-elevating mechanism that automatically adjusts its height. The platform elevates when ice is removed and descends when ice is added, adapting to the changing load conditions without requiring manual intervention or complex control systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces complex motorized elevation mechanisms with a simpler mechanical system using springs and gravity. The springs provide the upward force to elevate the platform when loaded, while gravity causes it to descend when unloaded, eliminating the need for electric motors or complex control circuits.
4Measurement precision
If charging is based on per-mass-removed basis using load cell measurement, then customer flexibility and precision are improved, but measurement precision requirements and device complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The load cell serves multiple functions simultaneously: it supports the physical weight of the ice on the platform, measures the mass for pricing calculations, and triggers the payment system. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate weighing infrastructure while providing precise measurement capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The system automatically determines the mass of ice removed through the load cell and calculates the corresponding charge without requiring customer input or manual measurement. The customer simply removes ice and the system handles the measurement and pricing autonomously.
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
Enhances customer convenience by enabling direct ice purchases, reduces theft through access control, and minimizes monitoring needs, while improving ergonomic ice retrieval to prevent injuries.
Implementation Method 1
a load cell structured to measure a mass of the bagged ice product
Data Source
AI summary
A merchandiser for storing at least one product for purchase by a customer is provided. The merchandiser includes: a housing defining a cavity configured to receive the at least one product; a door coupled to the housing and movable between a first position and a second position; a lock configured to lock the door in the first position; a door position sensor coupled to at least one of the door or the housing, and configured to monitor a contact area where the door selectively contacts the housing; and a control system coupled to the lock. The control system is configured to actuate the lock to an unlocked position when the door position sensor indicates that an object is present in the contact area and to selectively actuate the lock to a locked position based on the door position sensor indicating that no object is present in the contact area.