Mechanical Bottle Detection Chute with Biased Stop Member
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing bottle collection and recycling systems are prone to tampering and false sensor detections, and they often require electrical power, which may not be available in all locations.
Innovation Solution
A bottle receiving device with a chute having a biased stop member that engages the bottle to prevent reverse movement and a mechanical lock mechanism connected to a receipt dispenser, allowing secure detection and dispensing of receipts without electrical power.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If an optical sensor is placed near the outlet of the chute to detect bottles, then bottle detection capability is improved, but the system becomes vulnerable to false sensor detections from external factors like lightning, birds, or wind-blown objects
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the optical sensor from the detection system and replaces it with a purely mechanical detection mechanism. The stop member's position and movement are directly observed through the chute's geometry and mechanical interaction with bottles, eliminating the sensor entirely and thus removing the source of false detections from external factors.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the optical sensing system with a mechanical detection system. The stop member's engagement with bottles and its subsequent movement (or lack thereof) provides mechanical evidence of bottle presence and passage, substituting the vulnerable optical field with a robust mechanical interaction that is inherently resistant to environmental interference.
2Ease of operation
If users can move bottles back and forth across the sensor to obtain unauthorized receipts, then the system allows tampering, but this creates security vulnerabilities and unauthorized receipt dispensing
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces dynamic elements to the system: the stop member can move in response to bottle insertion, and the lock mechanism can transition between locked and unlocked states. These dynamic responses ensure that the system only dispenses receipts when the proper sequence of events occurs (bottle insertion → stop member movement → lock解锁 → receipt dispensing), preventing unauthorized receipt obtaining while maintaining ease of legitimate use.
Solution Approach 2:
The lock mechanism is pre-configured to remain locked until specific conditions are met. The stop member's movement triggered by bottle insertion automatically unlocks the lock mechanism in advance of receipt dispensing. This preliminary action ensures that the receipt dispenser can only be activated after proper bottle presentation, preventing tampering while maintaining smooth user operation.
3Extent of automation
If electrical power is required for sensor operation and receipt dispensing, then automated detection and dispensing is improved, but the system cannot operate in locations without electrical power
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces all electrical systems with mechanical ones. The detection of bottles is achieved through mechanical interaction with the stop member, and the receipt dispensing is achieved through mechanical actuation of the dispenser by the moving stop member. This complete mechanicalization eliminates the need for electrical power while maintaining full automation of the detection and dispensing process, enabling operation in any location regardless of power availability.
Solution Approach 2:
The system is designed to be self-powered through mechanical energy derived from the bottles themselves. The weight and movement of the bottles provide the energy to move the stop member, which in turn activates the lock mechanism and triggers receipt dispensing. This self-service approach eliminates the need for external electrical power sources while maintaining automated operation.
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus for receiving and detecting an article having a chute configured for receiving the article therein, a stop having a stop member disposed within the chute and biased towards the article to allow the stop member to engage the article moving through the chute but which prevents the article from being withdrawn from the chute, a receipt dispenser for issuing a physical receipt indicating that an article has been received by the apparatus, and a lock mechanism operable by movement of the article in the chute so as to physically detect the presence of an article therein to prevent dispensing of a receipt when the article is not detected in the chute. A method for receiving and detecting an article is also provided.