Product Storage Device with Dual Gates for Multi-Item Vending
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing product storage devices are limited to vending only one product per vending opportunity, failing to meet the need for vending multiple products simultaneously, especially in scenarios where customer identification through credit cards or similar methods is required.
Innovation Solution
A product storage device featuring a product storage column, first and second gates, and a gate operation mechanism that allows both gates to move back from the most downstream area upon receipt of an operation command, along with a measuring unit to count the number of products taken out by tracking changes in the gates' movements, enabling the vending of multiple products in a single transaction.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the device maintains gates in forward state during standby to restrict products, then product security is improved, but the device can only vend one product at a time
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the gates movable between forward (restricting) and backward (releasing) positions. The gate operation mechanism dynamically adjusts gate positions based on vending state: during standby, gates remain forward to secure products; during vending, gates move backward to allow multiple products to be taken out simultaneously, then return forward to secure the path again.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the product storage path into multiple sections using separate first and second gates. This segmentation allows different portions of the storage path to be controlled independently, enabling multiple products from different sections to be accessed simultaneously while maintaining security in other sections.
2Productivity
If the device allows multiple products to be taken out simultaneously, then productivity is improved, but measurement of product count becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback through sensors that detect gate position changes and provide signals to the control mechanism. The measurement unit receives feedback from the gate operation mechanism about how many times gates have moved from forward to backward position, automatically counting the number of products taken out without requiring complex manual measurement systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The measurement system operates autonomously by automatically detecting gate movements and counting products through the gate operation mechanism's inherent motion. The system self-measures product count through the physical act of gate movement itself, eliminating the need for separate complex measurement apparatus.
Data Source
AI summary
A product storage device includes: a product storage column storing products aligned in a row in a product storage path; a first gate moving back from and forward to a most downstream area that is downstream of a most downstream product in the product storage path; a second gate disposed in an upstream side with respect to the first gate and moving back from and forward to the most downstream area; a gate operation mechanism keeping the first and second gates in a state of having moved forward to the most downstream area in a standby state and to allow them to move back from the most downstream area when an operation command is given; and a measuring unit measuring the number of taken-out products by counting the number of changes in at least one of the first and second gates from a backward movement to a forward movement.