Unitary Extractor System With Inclined Separator Pieces
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing automatic dispensing machines with coin, card, or banknote operation face inefficiencies in product dispensing due to fixed compartment distances, leading to unused space and potential product falls, especially when handling varied product shapes and configurations.
Innovation Solution
A unitary extractor system featuring a toothed belt with inclined separator pieces and a support body secured to the belt, combined with a buffering stud, allows for flexible product alignment and secure dispensing, preventing accidental falls by using inclined separator pieces and a central window for product support, enabling efficient dispensing of diverse products regardless of shape or consistency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If fixed compartment distances are used in dispensing machines, then the structure is simple and stable, but unused space occurs and product falls may happen when handling varied product shapes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces fixed compartment distances with a dynamic extraction mechanism featuring a movable extraction element that can adjust its position along the duct. This allows the system to adapt to different product shapes and sizes while maintaining structural simplicity, resolving the contradiction between adaptability and device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The extraction mechanism is divided into separable components including the extraction element, support body, and buffering stud, allowing flexible configuration and adjustment for different product types without redesigning the entire compartment structure.
2Reliability
If a buffering mechanism is added to prevent product falls, then product safety is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The buffering stud is integrated directly into the extraction element structure, combining the extraction function and buffering function into a single component. This prevents product falls while minimizing the increase in device complexity by avoiding separate buffering mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The extraction element automatically provides buffering action when it contacts the product during the extraction process, eliminating the need for additional dedicated buffering devices and reducing overall system complexity.
3Manufacturing precision
If separator pieces are used to align products, then product alignment is improved, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The separator pieces are designed as simple, uniform components with consistent geometry that can be easily manufactured using standard machining processes. Their simple design maintains manufacturing ease while providing sufficient alignment precision for various product types.
Data Source
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Figure 3~4
AI summary
Unitary extractor system of products for dispensing machines, which products are to be found stored in compartments of the different trays, the extractor system comprising a toothed belt fitted in the open central part of the base of each compartment, to which belt, with Its teeth provided with respective holes, are joined a diversity of separator pieces for the products, in such a way that the traction belt (5) incorporates a plurality of small pieces (6), with a slight inclination towards the rear part, joined to respective teeth, and a support body (7) for the last product (2) to dispense, with its support surface slightly inclined towards the rear part, the body (7) being secured to the teeth of the traction belt (6) as it advances, and in such a way that it is pulled on the lateral surfaces (4) making up the base of the duct (1).