Product pusher-puller device for arrangement on a tray of a vending machine and vending machine
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vending machine pullers have low thrust capacity and difficult-to-clean surfaces, particularly in food dispensing applications, where accidental spills can occur due to sealing failures.
Innovation Solution
A tray product pusher-puller device with a chain mechanism that includes a toothed pinion gear and links with projections, allowing for high thrust capacity and easy cleaning by eliminating channels under the base, combined with a removable base for enhanced hygiene.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Force
If a chain mechanism with toothed pinion gear is used, then thrust capacity is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional belt-based mechanical transmission with a chain and toothed pinion gear mechanism. The chain comprises a set of links that engage with the toothed pinion gear, providing high thrust capacity through direct mechanical engagement. This substitution eliminates the elastic limit constraints of belts and provides tripled thrust capacity compared to conventional puller mechanisms.
2Ease of operation
If channels are provided under the base for chain movement, then chain mechanism functionality is improved, but ease of cleaning deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the chain mechanism from beneath the base by providing a fairing that houses the drive means and chain. The chain is positioned within the fairing structure, eliminating the need for channels under the base. This extraction allows the base to maintain a smooth, flat surface that is easy to clean while the chain mechanism operates within the dedicated fairing compartment.
3Ease of operation
If the base is made smooth and flat for easy cleaning, then ease of cleaning is improved, but chain mechanism functionality deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the device into distinct functional zones: the base provides a smooth, flat product display surface for easy cleaning, while the fairing houses the chain mechanism. The chain links engage with products at the front of the base and are driven by the toothed pinion gear within the fairing, separating the cleaning requirements of the product contact surface from the mechanical transmission components.
4Volume of moving object
If the chain is positioned below the base, then space utilization is improved, but product stability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent positions the chain mechanism in a different spatial dimension by housing it within the fairing structure that extends vertically. The chain operates in a horizontal plane within the fairing, while the base maintains its integrity as a stable product support surface. This dimensional separation allows the chain to be positioned without compromising product stability on the base.
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 device achieves tripled thrust capacity and ensures easy cleaning by preventing spills and maintaining a smooth, flat base for product display, with optional features like LED lighting for expiration date monitoring and automatic stock management.
Implementation Method 1
a toothed drive pinion gear provided inside said fairing, rotatably mounted inside said fairing and configured to contact at least a portion of the links of said chain
Implementation Method 2
The links of the chain have a curved surface on the outer part thereof especially configured to come into contact with the fairing and limit the disengagement of the chain
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3~4
AI summary
The object of the invention is a tray product pusher-puller device for a vending machine that allows a very high thrust to be achieved in order to move heavy products while at the same time ensuring that the storage surface that constitutes the unitary puller is easily cleanable and removable, in addition to providing the product with a stable base for storage, wherein the invention further relates to the vending machine comprising said pusher-puller device.