Automated Cup Dispensing With Receipt-Verified Self-Service

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing cup dispensing systems in establishments like quick dining restaurants and movie theaters are inefficient, time-consuming, and pose sanitation and security risks, leading to increased wait times and potential revenue loss.

Innovation Solution

An automated cup dispenser that integrates with POS systems, uses QR codes or barcodes for secure and instant cup dispensing, and includes a manager mode for service and management options, ensuring efficient, sanitary, and secure cup distribution.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If manual cup dispensing is used at POS devices, then employees can distribute cups, but it takes time and slows down order processing

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveorder processing speedVSAvoidcup dispensing time

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system enables self-service cup dispensing where customers scan their own receipts at automated dispensers located throughout the facility, eliminating the need for employees to manually distribute cups. The automated dispenser reads the receipt barcode/QR code and automatically dispenses the corresponding number of cups, significantly reducing dispensing time and increasing order processing speed.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The manual mechanical process of employees physically picking and distributing cups is replaced with an automated electronic system. The automated dispenser uses barcode/QR code scanning technology and electronic control mechanisms to automatically dispense cups based on scanned receipts, substituting human manual operations with an automated mechanical-electronic system.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Object-affected harmful factors

If employees manually handle cups at POS devices, then cups can be distributed, but sanitation is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesanitation riskVSAvoidcup distribution operation

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

Customers perform the cup dispensing action themselves by scanning their own receipts at automated dispensers located throughout the facility. This self-service approach eliminates the need for employees to physically handle and distribute cups, thereby reducing sanitation risks while maintaining ease of operation for customers.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The automated dispenser acts as an intermediary between the customer and the cups. Instead of employees directly handling cups, the automated system mediates the transaction by scanning receipts and automatically dispensing cups, creating a barrier that reduces direct contact and sanitation risks.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Reliability

If manual cup distribution is used, then cups can be given out, but security risks increase due to difficulty in monitoring

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesecurity monitoringVSAvoidcup dispensing efficiency

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The system incorporates feedback mechanisms through barcode/QR code scanning of receipts, which provides verifiable proof of authorized cup dispensing. The system tracks and records each dispensing event linked to a specific receipt, creating an auditable feedback loop that enhances security monitoring while maintaining efficient automated dispensing.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The manual monitoring process is replaced with an automated electronic tracking system. The automated dispenser uses barcode/QR code scanning and electronic control to track and monitor cup dispensing events, substituting human visual monitoring with an automated system that provides better security oversight while improving dispensing efficiency.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

4Extent of automation

If automated cup dispensing is implemented, then labor is reduced and sanitation is enhanced, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecup dispensing automationVSAvoidautomated dispenser system

Core Design Contradiction:

Extent of automationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The automated dispenser is designed as a multi-functional device that handles multiple tasks: it scans barcodes/QR codes, reads receipt information, determines the number of cups to dispense, controls the mechanical dispensing mechanism, and tracks dispensing events. By consolidating these functions into a single universal device deployed throughout the facility, the system achieves high automation while managing complexity through standardization.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentUS20250353683A1Automated Cup Dispenser

Publication Date: 2025.11.20 KLUCK LLC

AI summary

An automated cup dispenser with a dispenser body having an internal passageway dimensioned to hold a stack of cups and an electronically-controlled cup dispenser configured to selectively release a bottom cup from the stack of cups. The automated cup dispenser includes circuitry configured to: receive a command indicative of one or more cups to be dispensed; and activate the electronically-controlled cup dispenser in response to receiving the command to dispense one or more cups based on the command.