Modular Dispensing System for Wheeled Devices
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing systems for storing and dispensing wheeled devices, such as strollers and golf carts, face challenges in maintaining organization, reducing damage, and providing efficient self-service access, especially in varied environments.
Innovation Solution
A dispensing system with modular plates and docking ports that allow for flexible configuration and self-service operation, featuring a push-back mechanism for easy mounting and release of wheeled devices, along with a monetary unit insertion system for payment and potential refund processing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If strollers are stored in an open corral space, then access to strollers is simple, but organization and appearance deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The corral is divided into multiple individual docking ports, each with its own locking mechanism. Each docking port occupies a specific location and can independently hold one stroller, transforming the open space into organized individual slots while maintaining easy access through the self-service locking system.
Solution Approach 2:
A locking assembly with receiving latch and strike plate acts as an intermediary mechanism between the stroller and the docking port. This intermediary component enables secure attachment and controlled release, allowing users to easily access strollers while maintaining organized positioning through the structured docking system.
2Area of stationary object
If strollers are nested, then space efficiency improves, but reliability and ease of operation deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The nesting mechanism is extracted and replaced with individual docking ports for each stroller. Instead of relying on complex nested structures that can fail, each stroller has its own dedicated docking location with a simple, reliable locking mechanism that ensures secure attachment without requiring complex nesting operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking assembly enables self-service operation where users can independently lock and unlock strollers at the docking ports without requiring assistance from staff. The simple strike plate and receiving latch mechanism provides reliable self-service functionality that is easier to operate than complex nesting mechanisms.
3Stability of the object's composition
If a structured docking system is implemented, then organization and damage prevention improve, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The docking system is segmented into multiple identical, independent docking ports that can be simply replicated. Each docking port uses the same basic locking mechanism (receiving latch and strike plate), allowing the system to be organized and scalable without requiring complex varied mechanisms for different positions or types of strollers.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking assembly with receiving latch and strike plate serves multiple functions: it secures the stroller to the docking port, provides a controlled release mechanism, and can be operated by users independently. This universal mechanism handles various operations (locking, unlocking, positioning) without requiring separate complex systems for each function.
4Productivity
If self-service operation is enabled, then productivity and ease of operation improve, but loss of information and control may increase
Solution Approach 1:
The locking assembly enables users to independently perform all operations related to stroller retrieval and return without requiring staff intervention. Users can insert coins to unlock strollers and can lock returned strollers, providing self-service efficiency while the physical locking mechanism itself serves as the control system that tracks stroller positions.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking mechanism provides immediate physical feedback to users when a stroller is properly locked or unlocked. The strike plate engaging with the receiving latch gives tactile confirmation of proper attachment, and the coin insertion mechanism provides feedback when payment is received, allowing users to understand system state without requiring complex electronic information systems.
Data Source
AI summary
A dispensing system for wheeled devices has a plurality of receiving slots, which may be assembled in a suitable pattern so that any wheeled device having a bar or a receiving latch secured thereto may be mounted in the dispensing system by sliding the receiving latch into the slot or released therefrom by activating a push-back mechanism permitting the receiving latch to be removed from the docking port.