Multiconnection Device for Interchangeable OLED Light Panels in Vending Machines
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing light panel technologies in vending machines are limited by short lifespan, low brightness, space requirements, and the need for bulky voltage controllers, which increase energy consumption and manufacturing costs.
Innovation Solution
A multiconnection device using OLED, graphene, or similar technology panels with a microcontroller for illumination, animation, audiovisual broadcasting, and sensor control, eliminating the need for a voltage controller by drawing power directly from the machine and enabling remote content modification.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If traditional LED light panels are used in vending machines, then illumination function is provided, but lifespan is limited and brightness is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from LED technology to OLED technology, fundamentally changing the material parameters and operational characteristics of the light panels. OLED panels operate at lower voltages and currents, generate less heat, and have different degradation patterns compared to LEDs, thereby simultaneously improving both brightness and lifespan
2Ease of operation
If voltage controllers are used to adapt current for light panels, then panels can be illuminated, but energy consumption increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The OLED panels are designed to operate directly from the vending machine's existing power supply voltage without requiring external voltage controllers or current adaptors. The panels self-regulate their power consumption based on the available voltage, eliminating the need for energy-intensive voltage conversion equipment and significantly reducing overall energy consumption
3Ease of operation
If voltage controllers are incorporated to adapt current, then panels can be powered, but device bulk and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the voltage controller component entirely from the system architecture. By designing OLED panels that can operate directly from the machine's power supply, the solution extracts and eliminates the problematic voltage adaptation equipment, thereby reducing device bulk, simplifying the system, and lowering manufacturing costs
4Illumination intensity
If thick light panels are used for illumination, then sufficient light output is achieved, but space availability in the machine is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs OLED technology which inherently uses thin-film structures to generate light. These flexible, thin-film light-emitting layers can be integrated into space-constrained environments while maintaining sufficient illumination output, thereby reducing panel thickness without compromising light performance
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
The solution provides longer-lasting, brighter panels with reduced thickness, significant energy savings, and enhanced functionality, including dynamic content display and interaction, while simplifying installation and reducing machine bulk and cost.
Implementation Method 1
panels whose light surface uses elements with OLED, graphene or similar technology as light source
Implementation Method 2
panels whose light surface uses elements with OLED, graphene or similar technology as light source
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a device for the multiconnection of interchangeable light panels in vending machines, comprising connection points (2) arranged together in a multiconnector block (5) with a plurality of male-female inlets for connecting and disconnecting different light panels (4), allowing them to be interchanged, and a connector element (3)for connecting an electrical outlet to the machine (24) itself, which comprises an electronic microcontroller (13) inserted between the multiconnector block (5) and the electrical outlet connector element (3), which is provided with various connectors (6a,6b,6c,6d,6e) that allow the connection thereof to the Internet or the Intranet and/or electronic storage devices, in order to perform, in the light panels (4), which use OLED, graphene or similar technology for the light source on the light surface (12) thereof, functions other than illumination, such as animation effects, signalling, navigation on the Internet or Intranet and/or tuning and emission of audiovisual content.