Rotating Release Elements for Variable Cup Dispensing

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional cup dispensing devices in automatic vending machines are limited to dispensing a single cup size due to restricted diameter adjustments, requiring invasive and complex procedures, leading to imprecise variations and increased risk of jams.

Innovation Solution

A modular dispensing device with a micrometric adjustment mechanism that allows precise control over the diameter of the dispensing outlet by rotating release elements, enabling the dispensing of cups with varying diameters without disassembly, using a rotatable mechanical adjustment element connected to the release elements to modify their position and the passage opening.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If conventional dispensing devices use fixed release elements, then the structure is simple, but the adaptability to different cup sizes is limited

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveadaptability to different cup sizesVSAvoiddevice complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The release elements are made movable rather than fixed, allowing them to be positioned at different radial distances from the axis to accommodate different cup diameters. The adjustment element enables dynamic reconfiguration of the release elements' positions, transforming a static structure into a dynamic one that adapts to various cup sizes.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The same release elements serve multiple functions: they control cup dispensing for different cup sizes and can be repositioned to accommodate various diameters. The adjustment mechanism allows a single device to universally handle multiple cup sizes without requiring separate devices for each size.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Adaptability or versatility

If conventional devices allow diameter variation, then adaptability improves, but the reconfiguration procedure becomes lengthy and complex

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvediameter variation capabilityVSAvoidreconfiguration time

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The adjustment element is designed to be manually operable by the user without requiring professional intervention. The mechanism allows users to independently adjust the release elements' positions and reconfigure the device for different cup sizes without needing to disassemble components or seek technical assistance.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The adjustment element is pre-configured with measurement markings that indicate the correct positions for different cup diameters. Users can directly set the desired configuration without complex calculations or iterative adjustments, as the preliminary markings guide the positioning process.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

3Adaptability or versatility

If conventional devices allow diameter adjustment, then cup variety increases, but precision and reliability decrease

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecup size varietyVSAvoiddiameter adjustment precision

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The invention replaces imprecise manual adjustment mechanisms with a structured mechanical system featuring measurement markings and defined positioning stops. This mechanical substitution provides repeatable, precise positioning of release elements at specific radial distances, ensuring accurate diameter adjustments for different cup sizes.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

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 the precise, rapid, and economic reconfiguration to dispense a wider variety of cup sizes with reduced jamming, improving reliability and ease of implementation compared to existing technologies.

Implementation Method 1

said adjustment element being a rotatable mechanical adjustment element arranged inside said dispensing outlet and mechanically connected to said release elements in order to modify their position by rotating them around said vertical axis

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectRotation:

Implementation Method 2

Devices are known for dispensing cups which, upon receiving a command, dispense a cup, usually by making it fall, by gravity, from a stack above

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectGravity: Gravitation

Data Source

PatentEP3576056B1Device for dispensing cups and the like

Publication Date: 2023.09.27 BIANCHI IND SPA

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AI summary

A device for dispensing cups and the like (10) which comprises a release device (20) which is provided with a dispensing outlet (21), inside which a plurality of release elements (30) are arranged which between them define a passage opening (22) which has a diameter (d) that is dimensioned as a function of the cups to be dispensed, the release elements (30) being configured to cause the fall of a cup through the passage opening (22) following a release movement thereof, and an actuator (40) which is functionally connected to the release elements (30), by way of kinematic transmission means (51, 52, 53, 54), in order to actuate the release movement thereof; an adjustment element (60) being functionally connected to the release elements (30) in order to modify their position so as to adjust the diameter (d) of the passage opening (22).