Rotatable Dispense Chamber and Coin Mechanism

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional vending machine coin and dispense mechanisms are prone to jamming, complex, and difficult for individuals with limited hand movement to use, leading to maintenance issues and fraudulent product access.

Innovation Solution

A simplified coin mechanism with a contoured channel and actuator that does not require gripping or rotating, and a dispense mechanism with a rotatable discharge chamber to prevent jamming, designed for accessibility and reliability in harsh environments.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If conventional coin mechanisms use complex electronic or mechanical parts, then they can perform multiple functions, but they are prone to jamming and require frequent maintenance

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefunctional versatilityVSAvoidresistance to jamming

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent removes complex electronic components and intricate mechanical parts from the coin mechanism, retaining only the essential elements needed for coin acceptance and product dispensing. This extraction of non-essential complexity reduces jamming while preserving core functionality.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

Instead of using complex mechanisms to prevent jamming, the patent inverts the approach by designing a mechanism so simple that jamming becomes improbable. The simplicity itself becomes the protective feature against failure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

2Ease of operation

If conventional coin mechanisms require turning a knob or rotating a lever, then they can be actuated, but they are difficult or impossible for individuals with limited hand movement to use

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveactuation capabilityVSAvoidaccessibility to disabled users

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The coin mechanism is designed to be actuated simply by inserting a coin, which automatically triggers the dispensing action. This self-service design eliminates the need for users to perform complex manual operations like turning knobs or rotating levers, making it accessible to individuals with limited hand movement.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

3Productivity

If conventional dispense mechanisms are used, then they can dispense product, but they are susceptible to product jamming

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveproduct dispensingVSAvoidresistance to product jamming

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The dispense mechanism is divided into distinct segments or compartments that guide product movement through defined paths. This segmentation prevents product from becoming lodged in ambiguous spaces, reducing jamming while maintaining efficient dispensing.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

4Adaptability or versatility

If vending machines are located in harsh environments, then they can be placed in various locations, but they are subject to weather extremes and abuse

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvelocation flexibilityVSAvoidweather extremes and abuse

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The coin mechanism uses simple, durable components that can withstand harsh conditions without requiring sophisticated protection systems. The simplicity of the design makes it inherently more resilient to weather extremes and physical abuse compared to complex mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

Data Source

PatentUS9495823B2Vending apparatus and method

Publication Date: 2016.11.15 BOBRICK WASHROOM EQUIPMENT INC

AI summary

A vending apparatus and method of vending a product. Embodiments of a vending apparatus include a dispense mechanism configured to dispense a product, the dispense mechanism including a chamber that is rotatable relative to an opening of the dispense mechanism for aligning the product with the opening and dispensing the product therethrough. Further embodiments of a vending apparatus include a coin mechanism for receiving at least one coin before the vending apparatus dispenses a product, the coin mechanism including a delay mechanism configured to slow movement of an actuating device for avoiding jamming of the at least one coin in the coin mechanism.