Multi-Unit Ice Storage Distribution for Uniform Bag Stacking

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing ice dispensing machines in supermarkets often lead to inefficient storage due to bags stacking in a pyramid shape, resulting in low capacity utilization and requiring manual refilling, which is labor-intensive and poses safety concerns during high demand periods.

Innovation Solution

A method and apparatus that evenly distributes bagged ice into multiple storage compartments using a transport and distribution assembly with connecting windows between units, allowing for controlled dispensing based on space availability and detected filling levels, thereby optimizing storage capacity and reducing manual labor.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Device complexity

If bags are dispensed into a single storage compartment, then the dispensing process is simple, but storage capacity utilization is low due to pyramid stacking

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedispensing process complexityVSAvoidstorage capacity utilization

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The storage compartment is divided into multiple sections or levels, allowing bags to be distributed across different areas rather than stacking in a single location. This segmentation enables more efficient space utilization while maintaining a relatively simple dispensing mechanism that directs bags to appropriate sections.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The system transitions from single-point stacking to multi-point distribution across different spatial dimensions within the storage compartment. By utilizing multiple discharge positions and distributing bags across various levels or sections, the system maximizes three-dimensional space utilization without significantly increasing dispensing complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Quantity of substance

If manual refilling is performed to maintain storage capacity, then storage capacity can be maintained, but labor costs and safety risks increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestorage capacityVSAvoidlabor safety and operational simplicity

Core Design Contradiction:

Quantity of substanceVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The system automatically monitors storage capacity and performs refilling operations without human intervention. The automated dispensing mechanism detects when storage capacity is low and initiates refilling by directing new bags to appropriate sections, eliminating the need for manual refilling and associated safety risks while maintaining optimal storage capacity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The system incorporates sensors and monitoring mechanisms that continuously detect storage capacity levels and provide feedback to the control system. This feedback enables automatic decision-making regarding when and where to dispense new bags, ensuring storage capacity is maintained without requiring manual intervention or exposing workers to safety risks.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

3Device complexity

If bags are stacked in a pyramid shape, then dispensing structure is simple, but storage capacity is reduced and refilling frequency increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestorage structure simplicityVSAvoidrefilling frequency and storage efficiency

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The storage compartment is divided into multiple sections or levels, allowing bags to be distributed across different areas rather than stacking in a single location. This segmentation enables more efficient space utilization while maintaining a relatively simple dispensing mechanism that directs bags to appropriate sections.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The system transitions from single-point stacking to multi-point distribution across different spatial dimensions within the storage compartment. By utilizing multiple discharge positions and distributing bags across various levels or sections, the system maximizes three-dimensional space utilization without significantly increasing dispensing complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Data Source

PatentUS8534034B1Method and apparatus for distributing and storing serially produced articles in multiple storage units

Publication Date: 2013.09.17 REDDY ICE LLC

AI summary

An apparatus and method for distributing articles is arranged to deliver articles to selected stacking positions in two or more storage units. An article is dispensed to a first article transport and distribution section in a main storage unit, and then either delivered to a stacking position in the main unit or transported through a connecting window onto a second transport and distribution section in a satellite storage unit for delivery to a stacking position in that unit. The procedure is repeated to distribute subsequent bags of ice to selected stacking positions in each unit. Additional satellite storage units may be provided and included in the delivery sequence for distributing bags of ice throughout the units. The storage units may be refrigerated, merchandizing units for bagged ice, with the main storage unit associated with an ice bagged ice supply unit which dispenses bags of ice into the unit.