Multi-User Kiosk Rotating Carousel Storage
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional vending machines with single interfaces lead to longer wait times and increased costs due to limited capacity and inefficient product management, especially when multiple users attempt to purchase products simultaneously, and additional verification steps for regulated or restricted items further delay transactions.
Innovation Solution
A multi-user kiosk with multiple sides and a shared storage system featuring rotating carousels that allow simultaneous dispensing of products to multiple users, integrated with verification and authorization systems to streamline transactions and manage inventory efficiently.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a single-sided vending machine services one customer at a time, then the machine structure is simple and cost-effective, but customer wait times increase and service throughput decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The vending machine is divided into multiple independent service sides (first side, second side, etc.), each capable of servicing customers simultaneously. The storage system is segmented into multiple carousels that can rotate independently to serve different sides, enabling parallel customer service while maintaining manageable complexity through modular design
Solution Approach 2:
The shared storage system serves multiple interface sides universally, with carousels that can rotate to present products to any side. This multi-functional design allows a single storage system to support multiple customer service points, increasing throughput without proportionally increasing overall system complexity
2Productivity
If multiple single-sided vending machines are deployed to service multiple customers, then service capacity increases, but equipment costs, maintenance costs, and real estate costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple service sides are merged into a single integrated vending machine structure with a shared storage system. The carousels and control systems are consolidated, allowing multiple customers to be serviced simultaneously while reducing the total number of separate machines needed, thereby lowering equipment, maintenance, and real estate costs
Solution Approach 2:
The system transitions from a single-service-point model to a multi-service-point model by adding spatial dimensions (multiple sides around the machine). This allows simultaneous customer service in different directions without requiring multiple separate machines, effectively increasing service capacity within the same physical footprint
3Productivity
If a multi-user vending machine has a shared storage, then product availability increases, but inventory depletion occurs faster requiring more frequent restocking
Solution Approach 1:
Products are pre-loaded onto carousels in advance, and the system monitors inventory levels proactively. When products are low, the system can prepare restocking actions beforehand, and the carousel design allows for efficient product replenishment without taking the entire machine offline, reducing the impact of restocking on service continuity
Solution Approach 2:
The carousel design enables continuous product dispensing and restocking operations. While one carousel is being restocked, other carousels continue to serve customers, maintaining continuous useful action and minimizing service interruptions despite increased inventory turnover from multiple users
4Reliability
If verification and authorization steps are added for regulated products, then compliance with regulations is ensured, but transaction time increases
Solution Approach 1:
Verification and authorization for regulated products are performed in advance before the customer reaches the machine or at the beginning of the transaction. The system checks compliance requirements (age verification, prescriptions, licenses) proactively, so that when the customer selects and purchases the product, the verification is already complete, minimizing added transaction time
Data Source
AI summary
Approaches are described for storing, managing, and dispensing products from automated multi-user kiosks. For example, a multi-user kiosk may include interface sides alternating with non-interface panels including at least one storage door for loading products. Products are stored in a shared storage within the kiosk. The shared storage may be a plurality of carousels stacked as a single column Each carousel can rotate independently of each other. Users are verified and authorized prior to purchasing products or accessing storage for loading products. A first carousel containing a first product may be rotated in a first direction to dispense the first product to a first user at a first side of the kiosk at substantially a same time as a second carousel containing a second product rotates in a second direction to dispense the second product to a second user at a second side of the kiosk.