Popcorn Vending Microwave Delivery Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current popcorn vending machines face complexity and increased wear and tear due to the complexity of the delivery mechanism and repeated opening and closing of the microwave heating device's cover, which affects the convenience and longevity of the device.
Innovation Solution
A commodity delivery and microwave system featuring a storage rack with a side opening, a delivering device that pushes popcorn packages into the microwave heater via a side door, and a microwave heater with a rotating lower cover plate for easy popcorn discharge, reducing the need for a vacuum suction device and enhancing operational convenience and safety.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a vacuum suction device and complex delivering mechanism are used to move popcorn packages, then the popcorn can be delivered to the microwave heater, but the device complexity increases and wear and tear increases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts and eliminates the complex vacuum suction device from the system. Instead of using a vacuum suction device to move popcorn packages, the patent uses a simple gravity-based delivery mechanism where popcorn packages are pushed out of the storage rack and fall directly into the microwave heater through a designated opening, significantly reducing device complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The delivering mechanism utilizes gravity to automatically move popcorn packages from the storage rack to the microwave heater without requiring active suction or complex mechanical components. The system serves itself by leveraging natural gravitational force, eliminating the need for energy-consuming vacuum devices
2Productivity
If the microwave heating device cover is repeatedly opened and closed for popcorn delivery, then the popcorn can be heated and delivered, but the cover wear and tear increases reducing its use life
Solution Approach 1:
The invention segments the microwave heater into two parts: a fixed main body and a movable lower cover plate. The side door remains fixed while only the lower cover plate moves to facilitate popcorn entry and exit. This segmentation reduces the frequency of opening and closing operations on the main cover, thereby reducing wear and tear on the primary sealing components
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the dimension of movement from vertical (opening/closing the main cover) to horizontal (moving the lower cover plate). The lower cover plate slides or rotates in a different dimension to allow popcorn packages to enter and exit the microwave heater, reducing the need for repeated main cover operations
3Ease of operation
If a complex delivering device with vacuum suction is used, then popcorn packages can be moved, but the wear and tear of the delivering device increases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention replaces the complex mechanical vacuum suction system with a simple gravity-based mechanical push mechanism. Instead of using motors, vacuum pumps, and suction channels, the system uses a simple pushing action that allows popcorn packages to slide out and fall into place, significantly reducing mechanical wear and extending device service life
Solution Approach 2:
The delivering mechanism uses simple, easily replaceable components such as a pushing rod or lever instead of expensive, complex vacuum system components. If wear occurs, the simple mechanical parts can be easily replaced or the entire delivery mechanism can be quickly serviced, effectively extending the operational lifespan of the system
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 system improves popcorn output convenience, reduces wear and tear, and enhances safety by allowing direct and rapid delivery of popcorn packages into the microwave heater, eliminating the need for a vacuum suction device and minimizing assembly space while maintaining operational efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
the microwave heater, configured beside the storage rack and including a support bracket, the support bracket configured with a microwave heater
Data Source
AI summary
A commodity delivery and microwave system for a popcorn vending machine includes: a storage rack, adapted to mount popcorn kernel packages, an opening configured on a lower side of the storage rack, the opening allowing the popcorn kernel package to be moved out therethrough; a delivering device, configured below the storage rack, and adapted to push the popcorn kernel package out of the storage rack and send the popcorn kernel package into a microwave heating device; and the microwave heating device, configured beside the storage rack and including a support bracket, the support bracket configured with a microwave heater having a side door corresponding to storage rack and an open bottom, a door opening and closing device configured on the microwave heater and adapted to open or close the side door, a lower cover plate coupled pivotally to the support bracket.