A beverage dispenser having at least one tilted and gravity assisted rotating tray
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional beverage dispensers often require consumers to reach deeper into the product shelf to access subsequent items after one is removed, which can be difficult, and existing solutions like open front coolers are either expensive or inefficient in terms of energy usage.
Innovation Solution
A beverage dispenser with a tilted and gravity-assisted rotating tray that automatically aligns and dispenses products via gravity, eliminating the need for a power or drive mechanism by shifting the center of gravity to rotate the tray and bring the next product to the dispensing port.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If solid or transparent doors are used in beverage dispensers, then energy efficiency is improved, but consumer access to products becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by implementing a rotating tray mechanism that automatically moves products from the back to the front of the dispenser. This dynamic system allows consumers to easily access products at the front without opening doors, while the tray rotation ensures continuous product availability without compromising the closed-door energy-efficient design.
2Ease of operation
If open front coolers are used to provide easy product access, then consumer access is improved, but energy consumption and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing the product storage into multiple trays that can rotate independently. This allows the front portion of the dispenser to remain open or transparent for easy access, while the majority of the storage space remains enclosed and temperature-controlled, minimizing energy loss while providing convenient product access.
3Device complexity
If products are stored on static shelves, then device simplicity is maintained, but product accessibility deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transforms static shelves into dynamic rotating trays that automatically advance products toward the dispensing port. This simple rotational mechanism significantly improves product accessibility without requiring complex automation systems, maintaining device simplicity while solving the accessibility problem.
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
This solution provides easy access to products similar to open front coolers while maintaining energy efficiency and cost-effectiveness, similar to glass door coolers, without the need for elaborate power systems.
Implementation Method 1
The tray rotates the one or more products disposed thereon to the dispensing port via gravity after one of the one or more products disposed on the tray is dispensed or otherwise removed from the tray
Data Source
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AI summary
A beverage dispenser for dispensing one or more products is disclosed. The beverage dispenser may include a housing having a dispensing port, a shaft disposed within the housing, and a tray rotatably attached to the shaft. The tray may be tilted towards the dispensing port relative to the shaft. The tray may rotate the one or more products disposed thereon to the dispensing port via gravity after one of the one or more products disposed on the tray is dispensed.