Multi-Axis Pusher for Vending Machine Product Chute
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Solution Overview
Problem
Vending machines face challenges in maximizing product storage volume due to size constraints of the enclosure and product storage assembly, requiring innovative mechanisms for efficient product support and deployment.
Innovation Solution
An assembly comprising a product chute, pusher, pusher drive assembly, and controller that allows the pusher to move in multiple axes, supporting and pushing products towards an exit opening, ensuring efficient dispensing and preventing products from falling due to gravity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If the enclosure size is reduced to maximize storage volume, then the storage capacity increases, but the space available for the dispensing mechanism decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The pusher is designed as a dynamic component that moves in at least two mutually perpendicular axes (horizontal and vertical directions). This multi-axis movement allows the pusher to efficiently push products through the chute while maintaining a compact form factor, resolving the contradiction between small enclosure size and effective dispensing mechanism functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The pusher drive assembly enables movement in multiple dimensions (horizontal and vertical axes), transforming a single-axis pushing mechanism into a multi-dimensional system. This allows the pusher to navigate the product chute more effectively within a compact space, maximizing storage volume while maintaining dispensing functionality.
2Quantity of substance
If the product storage assembly size is increased to maximize product volume, then the storage capacity increases, but the overall vending machine size increases
Solution Approach 1:
The pusher serves multiple functions: it pushes products horizontally through the chute, supports remaining products vertically, and can be positioned in various orientations. This multi-functionality allows an efficient dispensing mechanism within a compact enclosure, enabling high storage capacity without proportionally increasing the overall machine size.
Solution Approach 2:
The dynamic, multi-axis movement capability of the pusher allows it to perform multiple operations within a limited space. The pusher can move horizontally to push products, vertically to support remaining products, and reposition itself efficiently, maximizing storage capacity while maintaining a compact overall dimensions.
3Productivity
If products are dispensed quickly, then the productivity increases, but the risk of products falling due to gravity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The pusher drive assembly is configured to move the pusher in at least two mutually perpendicular axes, enabling the pusher to preliminarily position itself and provide support to remaining products before the main dispensing action. This preliminary positioning and support action prevents products from falling due to gravity during rapid dispensing operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The pusher acts as an intermediary between the product storage assembly and the dispensed product. It provides a supporting surface that holds remaining products in place during the dispensing process, mediating between the quick dispensing requirement and the need to prevent products from falling due to gravity.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This solution enables efficient product dispensing and support within the vending machine, maximizing storage capacity and ensuring smooth operation by controlling the pusher's movement to align with the exit opening and support remaining products.
Implementation Method 1
supports or lifts the remaining products in the chute against the force of gravity
Data Source
AI summary
An assembly for product support and deployment for a vending machine includes a product chute, a pusher, a pusher drive assembly, and a controller. The product chute is configured to receive a plurality of products stacked on one another. The product chute includes an exit opening through which a respective product of the plurality of products is dispensed. The pusher drive assembly is operatively connected with the pusher and is configured so as to move the pusher in at least two mutually perpendicular axes. The controller is in communication with the pusher drive assembly. The controller is configured to control operation of the pusher drive assembly such that the pusher pushes the respective product being dispensed towards the exit opening and supports or lifts the remaining products in the chute against the force of gravity prior to the respective product fully exiting the product chute through the exit opening.