Remote Hopper System with Conveyor for Space-Efficient Dispensation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional dispensation systems often locate the hopper next to the dispensation mechanism, occupying valuable space and limiting accessibility, as they lack the flexibility to position the hopper remotely while maintaining efficient product distribution.
Innovation Solution
A remote hopper system connected via a conveyor or long chute, allowing the hopper to be placed in a more accessible and less valuable area, with a delivery system featuring an auger with internal flighting and a dispensing chute that ensures single-product dispensing, and a user interface via smartphone for communication.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If the hopper is located directly next to the dispensation system, then the product distribution is efficient and reliable, but the valuable space is occupied and accessibility is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The system is divided into separate functional modules: the hopper is segmented from the dispensation mechanism and connected via a conveyor system. This allows the hopper to be positioned in less valuable space while the dispensation mechanism remains accessible to customers, resolving the contradiction between space utilization and accessibility.
2Area of stationary object
If the hopper is located remotely from the dispensation system, then more valuable space is freed up, but the complexity of the delivery system increases
Solution Approach 1:
A conveyor system acts as an intermediary between the remotely located hopper and the dispensation mechanism. This intermediary component enables the hopper to be positioned in less valuable space while maintaining a controlled and manageable connection to the dispensation system, thus freeing up valuable space without excessively increasing overall system complexity.
3Area of stationary object
If the hopper is located remotely, then the valuable area is optimized, but the reliability of product distribution may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The system replaces traditional gravity-based mechanical product transfer with a controlled conveyor system that uses belts or other mechanical conveyance mechanisms. This substitution allows for more reliable and controlled product transport over the extended distance from the remotely located hopper to the dispensation mechanism, maintaining distribution reliability while optimizing space utilization.
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
Enables efficient product distribution by utilizing space more effectively, allowing the hopper to be placed in a less valuable area while ensuring reliable and single-product dispensing through the use of internal flighting and a user-friendly interface.
Implementation Method 1
a delivery system communicably coupled to the hopper and including an auger with fighting
Data Source
AI summary
A dispensation system having a hopper that is located remote to the remainder of the dispensation system. The hopper can be located remote from a delivery system and a conveyor or other transmitting device can connect the hopper to the delivery system. The hopper can therefore be located in an area that is more accessible or less valued than the area in which the products or objects are dispensed, allowing a more efficient product distribution system.