Redundant Induction for Product Dispensing Systems

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current automated product dispensing systems face inefficiencies due to single induction points, leading to gaps in product dispensing and increased recirculation of containers and carriers, which impairs continuous operation and traffic flow.

Innovation Solution

A redundant induction dispensing system where containers are filled before labeling and can be inducted into any dispensing location, allowing for multiple fill points and eliminating the need for pre-labeling and carrier assignment, enabling continuous dispensing and optimizing traffic flow.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If containers are pre-labeled and assigned to specific dispensing units at a single induction point, then container identification and routing are simplified, but dispensing continuity is interrupted and recirculation increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecontainer identification and routingVSAvoiddispensing continuity

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The system divides the single induction point into multiple induction points distributed across different dispensing units. Each dispensing unit has its own induction mechanism, allowing containers to be inducted independently at multiple locations rather than funneling through a single point, thereby eliminating bottlenecks and maintaining continuous operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The system transitions from a linear single-point induction model to a distributed multi-dimensional induction network. Containers can enter the system at any dispensing unit through multiple induction points, creating a spatially distributed architecture that eliminates the sequential constraints of single-point induction and enables parallel processing.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Ease of operation

If containers queue at dedicated dispensing units, then routing is simplified, but queue lengths increase and recirculation time is extended

Engineering Contradiction:

Improverouting simplicityVSAvoidrecirculation time

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system implements dynamic routing where containers are not permanently assigned to specific dispensing units but can be routed to any unit based on real-time availability and demand. This dynamic allocation allows containers to bypass full queues by being inducted at different dispensing units, reducing waiting time and recirculation cycles.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system performs preliminary induction of containers at dispensing units before actual dispensing is needed. Containers can be inducted and held in ready state at multiple locations, so when dispensing is required, they are already positioned and ready to go, eliminating the need for last-minute queueing and recirculation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

3Device complexity

If a single induction point is used, then system complexity is reduced, but bottlenecks form and continuous operation is impaired

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveinduction system structureVSAvoidsystem throughput

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

Each dispensing unit is equipped with universal induction capabilities, allowing any dispensing unit to function as an induction point. This multi-functionality means that the system does not require a dedicated separate induction station, as any dispensing unit can induct containers directly, thereby distributing the induction load and eliminating bottlenecks without adding significant complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

4Adaptability or versatility

If containers must recirculate through the system, then routing flexibility is maintained, but dispensing gaps occur and efficiency decreases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improverouting flexibilityVSAvoiddispensing efficiency

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The system maintains continuous useful action by allowing containers to be inducted at any dispensing unit at any time, eliminating the interruptions caused by recirculation. Multiple induction points ensure that containers are continuously fed into the system at optimal locations, maintaining steady-state operation without the start-stop patterns created by recirculation requirements.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #20Continuity of useful action

Data Source

PatentUS9665688B2Product dispensing system and method with redundant container induction

Publication Date: 2017.05.30 TENSION INT

AI summary

A system for dispensing product-filled containers in which the containers are filled prior to labeling, so that any container may filled at any dispensing station. The system includes multiple dispensing stations, both manual and automated, disposed adjacent a conveyor. Automated dispensing stations include quantities of products, fillable product containers, and a labeling assembly. Each dispensing station dispenses a predetermined quantity of products into a container and labels the container for transport via an exit conveyor to the main conveyor. Carriers are delivered via the main conveyor into a container carrier queue lane, where a sensor reads the RFID before a filled, labeled container is deposited into the carrier. A sensor reads the label bar code and transmits the bar code and RFID information to the computer database, mating the carrier with the filled container. System software load balances the components of an order by routing them to different dispensing stations.