Modular Dispenser Device for Vending Machines
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing dispensing devices for vending machines require numerous motors and end-product detection systems, leading to high material costs, increased wiring times, complex electronic management, and reduced reliability, especially in systems with many rows of products.
Innovation Solution
A modular dispensing device with self-contained modules equipped with microprocessors for efficient electronic management, using serial cables, Bluetooth, or Wi-Fi for communication, eliminating the need for individual motors and wiring, and featuring a 'plug and play' design with adjustable guides and motors for flexible product handling.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a large number of motors and end-product detection systems are used to handle many rows of products, then the dispensing device can serve more product selections, but the material costs, wiring times, electronic management complexity, and reliability issues increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The system is divided into multiple independent modules, each capable of serving multiple rows. Each module contains its own motor and detection system, allowing the overall system to handle many product selections without requiring a proportional increase in the number of motors and detection systems across the entire system.
Solution Approach 2:
Each module is designed to be multi-functional, capable of serving multiple rows of products. A single module with one motor and one detection system can control multiple rows through shared mechanical structures, making each component perform multiple functions rather than having dedicated components for each row.
2Ease of operation
If individual motors and detection systems are installed for each row, then each product selection can be independently controlled, but the wiring times and installation complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple rows are merged into shared modules, where a single motor and detection system serve multiple rows. This consolidation reduces the total number of components and their associated wiring, significantly decreasing installation time and complexity while maintaining independent control capability through modular design.
3Adaptability or versatility
If more materials and components are used to increase the number of rows, then the dispensing capacity is improved, but the material costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses segmented modular architecture where each module can serve multiple rows. This segmentation allows for efficient material utilization, as the same motor, detection system, and control electronics are shared across multiple rows within each module, reducing the total quantity of materials needed compared to having dedicated components for each row.
Solution Approach 2:
Components within each module are designed to be universal and multi-functional, serving multiple rows simultaneously. This multi-functionality reduces the overall quantity of materials required, as a single motor can drive multiple rows, a single detection system can monitor multiple product positions, and shared mechanical structures support multiple product containers.
4Adaptability or versatility
If numerous motors and detection systems are deployed, then more product rows can be managed, but the total reliability of the system decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The system is segmented into independent modules, where each module is self-contained with its own motor and detection system. This segmentation isolates potential failures to individual modules, preventing a single point of failure from affecting the entire system. If one module fails, other modules continue to operate normally, thereby maintaining overall system reliability while still managing multiple product rows.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 1A
Figure 2A~2
AI summary
A dispenser device for products, in particular for vending machines, is constituted by a modular structure (10), which has two rails or longitudinal axles (A1, B1), perpendicular to each other and both motorized, wherein a longitudinal first axle (A1) has dimensions variable in relation to a prefixed number of selections of products to be dispensed; said first axle (A1) is fixed on a plane (A3) placed below a plurality of racks (A4) where a series of containers (C2) are stacked (C2), said containers (C2) containing the products to be dispensed.