Spiral Dispenser with Offset Guide and Movable Axis
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing spiral-type object dispensing units are limited in storage width due to the diameter of the spiral and the size of the guide, restricting the variety and size of objects that can be stored, especially when the spiral is vertical.
Innovation Solution
A spiral-type object dispensing unit with a movable spiral and interchangeable guides, allowing the spiral to be positioned at the center or offset in the column's width direction, and using either a first guide extending along the central axis or a second guide positioned differently, enabling storage of objects of various widths by adjusting the spiral's position and guide configuration.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If the spiral diameter is made large, then the storage width for objects is improved, but the movable distance of the spiral in the width direction is restrained
Solution Approach 1:
The guide is divided into multiple interchangeable types (first guide extending along central axis, second guide extending at offset position). By segmenting the guide function into discrete interchangeable components, the system achieves both large storage width (when spiral is centered with first guide) and adequate movable distance (when spiral is offset with second guide), resolving the contradiction between these two parameters.
Solution Approach 2:
The spiral is configured to be movable in the width direction of the column, transforming from a fixed position to a dynamic adjustable position. This mobility allows the spiral to adapt its position based on the guide type installed, enabling the system to overcome the limitation of restricted movable distance while maintaining large storage width.
2Device complexity
If the guide size is fixed, then the device structure is simplified, but the size variety of storable objects is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The guide is designed with multi-functionality through interchangeable configurations. The first guide (extending along central axis) and second guide (extending at offset position) serve different object storage needs. This universal design allows a single guide component type to accommodate various object sizes and shapes, enhancing adaptability without significantly increasing overall device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The guide's geometric parameters (extension direction, position relative to spiral axis) are changed between interchangeable types. By varying these parameters, the system can accommodate objects of different sizes and orientations, transforming a fixed-configuration limitation into a flexible, adaptable system while maintaining relatively simple individual guide structures.
3Area of stationary object
If the spiral is positioned at the center, then the storage width is maximized, but objects of different widths cannot be accommodated
Solution Approach 1:
The spiral's position in the width direction is made dynamic and adjustable. When the first guide is installed, the spiral is positioned at the center to maximize storage width. When the second guide is installed, the spiral can be offset to accommodate objects of different widths. This dynamic positioning capability resolves the contradiction between maximizing storage width and accommodating object width variety.
Solution Approach 2:
The guide system is segmented into multiple types with different geometric configurations. The first guide (central extension) and second guide (offset extension) allow the spiral to be positioned differently relative to the column center. This segmentation enables the system to switch between center-positioned configuration (for maximum storage width) and offset-positioned configuration (for object width adaptability).
Data Source
AI summary
A spiral-type object dispensing unit (1) includes: a box-shaped column (2) having an opening (22) in the lower surface; a motor unit (3) including motor (11); and spiral (20) disposed in the column (2), the spiral detachably joined to rotary shaft (14) of the motor (11) at an upper end and extending spirally toward the opening (22) of the column (2) at a lower end. Products supported by the spiral (20) are dispensed from opening (22) by motor (11) rotating and driving spiral (20). A spiral unit (4) including spiral (20) and guide (21) is interchangeable between a first spiral unit that includes a first guide extending in a vertical direction on a central axis of the spiral (20) and a second spiral unit that includes a second guide extending in the vertical direction to the left of the central axis.