Mega Vending Machine Control Device for Small Product Automation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing warehouse automation systems are inadequate for managing individual small products of various sizes, materials, and shapes, particularly in small stores like convenience stores and vending machines, where space is limited and existing technologies cannot be applied effectively.
Innovation Solution
A warehouse automation-based mega vending machine control device and its operation method, which utilize a shuttle container with a slot control function to automatically manage warehousing, shelf display, and order discharge, regardless of the shape, form, or material of individual small products.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If existing large warehouse management technologies are applied to small stores, then automation can be achieved, but the system cannot handle individual small products of various sizes, materials, and shapes
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments the warehouse space into multiple storage shelves with discrete storage slots, and divides products into individual small product units. Each slot can independently store different products, enabling the system to handle various sizes, materials, and shapes of small products while maintaining automation through modular slot-based management
Solution Approach 2:
The storage slot is designed as a universal component that can accommodate different types of small products through adjustable slot dividers and configurable dimensions. The slot structure serves multiple functions: storage, identification, transport, and discharge, making the system adaptable to various product types while maintaining a standardized automated workflow
2Extent of automation
If mobile logistics robots and large containers are used in small stores, then logistics automation can be implemented, but the limited space in small stores cannot accommodate these large equipment
Solution Approach 1:
The system nests the automated logistics functions directly within the existing shelf structure. Storage slots are integrated into shelves, and the transport mechanism uses the vertical space between shelves rather than requiring separate large containers or mobile robots. This nesting approach enables logistics automation within the limited footprint of small stores
Solution Approach 2:
The system transitions from horizontal movement using mobile robots to vertical transport between shelves. Products are moved upward or downward between storage levels through slot-based conveyance, utilizing the vertical dimension of the warehouse space instead of requiring horizontal maneuvering space for large equipment
3Area of stationary object
If manual product handling is used in unmanned convenience stores, then space requirements are minimal, but human intervention is required for opening boxes, picking products, and placing them on shelves
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables self-service automation where the slot mechanism automatically performs all handling operations. When a storage container is placed on the shelf, the slot control unit automatically opens the container, identifies products, picks them using the picking manipulator, and places them in appropriate slots without human intervention. The system serves itself by automating the entire workflow from container placement to product display
4Extent of automation
If automated slot control with shuttle container is used, then all warehousing and discharge operations can be automated, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system merges multiple functions into the slot control unit: storage container identification, automatic opening control, product picking, slot positioning, and discharge coordination. By combining these functions into a single integrated control unit that manages the shuttle container, the system achieves comprehensive warehousing automation while reducing the number of separate control systems needed
Data Source
AI summary
A method, according to an embodiment of the present invention, which is a method of operating a mega vending machine control device comprises the steps of: identifying individual small product from a warehousing box; picking up the identified individual small product and arranging them in each slot of the shuttle container; transporting the shuttle container to a shelf compartment area of a warehouse; and discharging the individual small products into the shelf compartment area by opening a lower side of the slot of the shuttle container and processing the completion of the warehousing of the individual small product.