Unitary Extractor Pincer With Spring Retention For Dispensing Machines
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing automatic dispensing machines with refrigeration capabilities often have unused space due to fixed compartment arm distances, and existing extractor mechanisms are inefficient for dispensing non-rigid products or those with unstable packaging, leading to operational issues and lost sales when dealing with varying product sizes and types.
Innovation Solution
A unitary extractor system featuring a toothed belt with a single pincer secured by a spring, where the pincer is retained in the forward part of the compartment to prevent accidental product release, and a pair of lateral strips converging towards the center to secure products, allowing for optimized space usage and reliable extraction of various product types.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If multiple dragging bodies are secured to the chain for each compartment, then the product extraction capability is improved, but the space utilization in compartments deteriorates due to the occupying space of multiple extractors
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the extraction function into two parts: a single pincer body for dragging products and lateral strips for securing products. This segmentation allows the single pincer to optimize space while the lateral strips provide additional securing capability without occupying significant space.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from a single-dimensional dragging approach to a two-dimensional solution by adding lateral strips that converge towards the center of the compartment. This dimensional addition provides product securing capability without significantly increasing the footprint in the compartment.
2Device complexity
If the distance between arms defining compartments is fixed, then the structural simplicity is improved, but the adaptability to different product sizes deteriorates leading to unused space
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a spring mechanism that allows the pincer to dynamically adjust its position and the lateral strips to flexibly adapt to different product sizes. This dynamic capability enables the fixed structure to accommodate variable product dimensions without compromising structural simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
The spring mechanism changes the physical state of the pincer from rigid to flexible, allowing it to adapt to different product sizes. The lateral strips similarly change their configuration based on product dimensions, optimizing space utilization across various product types.
3Ease of operation
If the pincer is freely movable on the chain, then the ease of operation is improved, but the reliability of product retention deteriorates due to accidental product release
Solution Approach 1:
The lateral strips are positioned to preemptively secure products before the pincer releases them. This preliminary action prevents accidental product release by creating a secondary retention mechanism that activates when the pincer approaches the release point.
Solution Approach 2:
The lateral strips act as an intermediary between the pincer and the product, providing an additional layer of retention. This intermediary mechanism ensures that even if the pincer fails to retain the product, the lateral strips will prevent accidental release.
4Device complexity
If existing extractor mechanisms are used for non-rigid products, then the device complexity is reduced, but the reliability of dispensing deteriorates leading to operational issues and lost sales
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies different retention qualities to different parts of the extraction system: the pincer provides dragging force while the lateral strips provide securing force. This local differentiation of function allows the system to reliably handle both rigid and non-rigid products without increasing overall complexity.
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
The system optimizes space usage, prevents product loss during extraction, and allows for accurate tracking of product demand by retaining the pincer in specific positions within the compartment, ensuring reliable dispensing of both rigid and non-rigid products, even when the machine is moved.
Implementation Method 1
a rotary arm of the pincer restrained by a spring, with its lower end being positioned between two curved projections of the belt
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3~5
AI summary
Unitary extractor system for products in dispensing machines for food and drinks, the products being deposited in corresponding compartments of a series of trays, which present a centrally open laminar base, with a belt provided with a plurality of toothed projections being fitted in relation to the open central part of the laminar base, the unitary extractor system for the product to dispense being defined by a single pincer body (10) secured to a belt (5) provided with a plurality of projections, this securing being materialised by means of a rotary arm of the pincer restrained by a spring, with its lower end being positioned between two curved projections of the belt (5), the pincer (10) remaining in its initial position backed on to the product (11) that is most internal of all the products aligned in the corresponding compartment (3) of a tray (2), each of the compartments (3) presenting in its upper part a pair of lateral strips (6) converging towards the centre.