Pedal-Actuated Article Dispensing Detection Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional vending machine article dispensing systems face challenges in reliably detecting the dispensing of the lowermost article, leading to increased manufacturing costs due to the need for additional sensors to confirm dispensing, which complicates the system and increases parts count.
Innovation Solution
An article dispensing apparatus with a lower pedal and upper pedal mechanism that uses an out-of-stock detection switch to determine if an article has been dispensed, eliminating the need for additional sensors by utilizing the pedals' positions and the detection switch's states to confirm dispensing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If additional sensors are added to detect article dispensing, then detection reliability is improved, but device complexity and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The out-of-stock detection lever is made to serve dual functions: its traditional role in detecting article stock status and a new role in detecting article dispensing completion. By monitoring the lever's position changes during the dispensing process, the system can determine whether the lowermost article has been successfully discharged without requiring separate detection sensors.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines the out-of-stock detection function and the article dispensing detection function into a single detection mechanism (the out-of-stock detection lever). This merging of functions eliminates the need for separate sensors and reduces system complexity while maintaining detection reliability.
2Reliability
If additional sensors are added to detect article dispensing, then detection reliability is improved, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The out-of-stock detection lever is made to serve dual functions: its traditional role in detecting article stock status and a new role in detecting article dispensing completion. By monitoring the lever's position changes during the dispensing process, the system can determine whether the lowermost article has been successfully discharged without requiring separate detection sensors.
Solution Approach 2:
The existing out-of-stock detection lever automatically provides dispensing detection capability through its inherent position changes during the article discharge process. The lever's movement from the article storage passage to a retracted position naturally indicates article dispensing completion, eliminating the need for additional manufactured components.
3Device complexity
If the lower pedal is used to detect article dispensing, then device complexity is reduced, but measurement precision may be affected
Solution Approach 1:
The out-of-stock detection lever is made to serve dual functions: its traditional role in detecting article stock status and a new role in detecting article dispensing completion. By monitoring the lever's position changes during the dispensing process, the system can determine whether the lowermost article has been successfully discharged without requiring separate detection sensors.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses the out-of-stock detection lever's position as feedback to determine article dispensing completion. When the lever moves from the article storage passage to a retracted position, this feedback signal indicates that the lowermost article has been successfully discharged, providing reliable detection without additional sensors.
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 allows for reliable detection of article dispensing without additional sensors, reducing manufacturing costs and simplifying the system while ensuring accurate stock management and sales tracking.
Implementation Method 1
The lower pedal and the upper pedal are linked with an AC solenoid as an actuator via links and advance and retract to and from the article storage passage as appropriate through the energization of the AC solenoid.
Implementation Method 2
when the article slips through the lower pedal, the lower pedal advances to the article storage passage by the biasing force of a spring.
Implementation Method 3
When an article is present in the article storage passage, the out-of-stock detection lever retracts from the article storage passage against the biasing force of the biasing unit by the article.
Data Source
AI summary
An article dispensing apparatus includes: an article discharging apparatus including a lower pedal and an upper pedal; an out-of-stock detection switch configured to: be turned to a first state when the lower pedal is turned to a second standby attitude; and be turned to a second state when the lower pedal is turned to any attitude other than the second standby attitude; and a controller configured to determine that an article has been dispensed from an article storage passage by the fact that the out-of-stock detection switch is turned to the first state when the article discharging apparatus is driven.