Integrated Vehicle Vending Machine Network Connectivity
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Solution Overview
Problem
Ridesharing vehicles are not network-enabled, limiting their ability to offer products and services to passengers during transportation, as they cannot access information from remote data sources, forcing passengers to wait until reaching their destination to purchase items.
Innovation Solution
A vending machine integrated into a vehicle that enables network connectivity, allowing passengers to purchase products through a user interface, communicate with a remote server for payment processing, and modify routes to include detours for product pickup before reaching the final destination.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If vehicles are used for transportation only, then the vehicle structure remains simple and cost-effective, but the functionality to provide products and services to passengers is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines a vending machine system with a ridesharing vehicle by integrating the housing into the vehicle interior (e.g., center console). The system merges transportation functionality with product dispensing functionality, allowing the vehicle to serve dual purposes: transporting passengers and providing them with products/services during the ride.
Solution Approach 2:
The vehicle is transformed into a multi-functional platform that not only provides transportation but also offers product dispensing, payment processing, and route modification capabilities. The vending machine system enables the vehicle to perform multiple functions simultaneously, enhancing adaptability without requiring separate dedicated vehicles for different services.
2Ease of operation
If passengers can purchase products during transportation, then passenger convenience is improved, but the vehicle requires network connectivity and additional systems that increase complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The vending machine system enables passengers to independently select and purchase products during the ride using an interface ( touchscreen, mobile device). The system automatically handles product selection, payment processing through card readers, and coordination with external vendors, allowing passengers to serve themselves without requiring driver intervention or complex manual operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The system introduces a controller and communication interface as intermediaries between the passenger, the vending machine, and external payment processors or product vendors. These intermediary components facilitate seamless transactions and route modifications by mediating between different subsystems and external services, reducing the operational burden on passengers while managing system complexity through centralized control.
3Reliability
If the vending machine allows product access during transit, then passenger needs are met, but driver distraction may occur if passengers interact with the system
Solution Approach 1:
The system segregates passenger interactions with the vending machine interface from the driver's operational tasks. The interface is positioned and designed to be accessible to passengers without requiring them to turn around or engage with the driver. The driver's controls and displays remain separate and undisturbed, ensuring that passenger product selection does not interfere with driver attention and vehicle control.
4Adaptability or versatility
If vehicles are not network-enabled, then the vehicle system remains simple and reliable, but the ability to offer additional products and services is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The system pre-establishes network connectivity and communication protocols within the vehicle before transactions occur. The controller is pre-configured to communicate with external servers, payment processors, and product vendor systems. This preliminary setup enables the vehicle to immediately access remote data sources and offer expanded products and services without requiring complex real-time network configuration during operations.
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
Converts ridesharing vehicles into network-enabled platforms, enabling the offering of products and services to passengers and allowing for on-route product purchases, enhancing passenger convenience and vehicle functionality.
Implementation Method 1
The vending machine further comprises an electromechanical lock coupled to the housing. The electromechanical lock is configured to transition from a locked configuration to an unlocked configuration in response to an actuation signal from a controller.
Data Source
AI summary
A device that includes a housing configured to couple to a vehicle console. The device further includes a lid that is configurable between a closed position and an open position. The device further includes a lock is configured to transition from a locked configuration to an unlocked configuration. In the locked configuration, the lock is configured to maintain the lid in the closed position. In the unlocked configuration, the lock is configured to release the lid from the closed position. The device further includes a user interface configured to display products, receive a user input identifying a product, receive card information, send an authorization request that requests a purchase of the product, and send an authorization signal to a controller in response to receiving an approval message. The device further includes the controller configured to send an actuation signal to unlock the lock in response to receiving the authorization signal.