Ice Merchandiser Weigh-Payment Design for Self-Service Access
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional ice merchandisers lack the capability for self-service transactions and ergonomic design, leading to inefficiencies in ice product retrieval and increased risk of injury due to the need for frequent visits to a separate store for purchase and the strain of bending to access ice.
Innovation Solution
Integration of a payment system with mass determination capabilities and a self-elevating platform within the ice merchandiser, allowing for direct purchase and ergonomic ice retrieval, reducing the need for frequent visits and minimizing physical strain.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a payment system with mass determination is integrated into the ice merchandiser, then self-service transaction capability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the payment system, mass determination module (load cell), and ice storage function into a single integrated ice merchandiser unit. This merging allows patrons to complete transactions directly at the ice merchandiser by weighing ice bags on the load cell and paying via the integrated payment system, eliminating the need to visit a separate convenience store and resolving the technical contradiction between improved ease of operation and increased device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The ice merchandiser enables self-service transactions through the integrated payment system and mass determination capability. Patrons can independently weigh ice bags, calculate costs, and complete payments without staff assistance or separate store visits. This self-service mechanism directly improves ease of operation while the automation of weighing and payment calculation helps manage the inherent device complexity.
2Quantity of substance
If the ice merchandiser is made large and heavy to store sufficient ice, then ice storage capacity is improved, but ease of access and ergonomics deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The ice storage system is segmented into multiple adjustable shelves that can be independently positioned at different heights. This segmentation allows the ice merchandiser to maintain large storage capacity while enabling patrons to access ice bags at ergonomic heights without bending excessively, thus resolving the contradiction between ice storage capacity and ease of access.
Solution Approach 2:
The adjustable shelving system provides dynamic reconfiguration capability, allowing shelf positions to be changed based on storage needs and access requirements. This dynamic adjustment enables the system to optimize both storage capacity and ergonomics for different operating conditions, resolving the technical contradiction between maintaining large ice storage and ensuring easy access.
3Ease of operation
If the door is opened frequently to access ice, then ease of access is improved, but temperature control and ice melting worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The ice merchandiser is positioned and configured to allow patrons to complete the entire transaction process (selecting ice, weighing, paying) without opening the door. The load cell measures ice weight through the closed door, and payment is processed via the integrated system. This preliminary arrangement of the transaction process eliminates door opening, maintaining temperature control while preserving ease of access through the closed-door operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The mechanical action of opening the door to access ice is replaced by an electronic measurement system (load cell) that can determine ice weight through the closed door. This substitution eliminates the temperature disruption caused by door opening while maintaining ease of access, as patrons can initiate transactions without physical door opening.
4Ease of operation
If a self-elevating platform is implemented to reduce bending, then ergonomics are improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The self-elevating platform uses a motorized drive mechanism to dynamically adjust the platform height based on the ice bag weight measured by the load cell. This dynamic adjustment provides ergonomic benefits by reducing bending requirements while the automated height adjustment helps manage the inherent device complexity through programmable control.
Solution Approach 2:
The self-elevating platform system incorporates feedback from the load cell measurement to automatically adjust platform height. The load cell detects ice bag weight, and this information feeds back to the platform drive mechanism, which elevates or lowers the platform to the appropriate height. This feedback loop improves ergonomics while the automation reduces the operational complexity for patrons.
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 convenience by enabling self-service transactions and reduces physical strain through ergonomic design, increasing sales potential and customer satisfaction by providing a hygienic and accessible ice retrieval experience.
Implementation Method 1
a load cell structured to measure a mass of the bagged ice product
Data Source
AI summary
An ice merchandiser for storing bagged ice for purchase by a customer is provided. The ice merchandiser includes a payment system for facilitating a bagged ice product transaction at the ice merchandiser. The payment system includes a mass determination module structured to determine a mass of bagged ice product removed during the bagged ice product transaction and a transaction module structured to determine an amount of currency required for the bagged ice product transaction based on the determined mass of bagged ice product removed.