Vending Machine Bagging System with Clamping Arms

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional bulk vending machines can only dispense one product type at a time, limiting customer options and requiring separate transactions for multiple products, and they struggle with contamination and providing nutritional information.

Innovation Solution

A bagging system for vending machines that allows multiple product types to be dispensed into a single container, using a bagging system with clamps to open and close the bag for filling, and includes a method for sealing and labeling the bag with product information.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a single bulk vender dispenses one product type at a time, then the dispensing mechanism is simple, but customer choice is limited and multiple transactions are required

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveproduct selection varietyVSAvoidvending machine structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Multiple bulk venders are integrated into a single vending machine system, allowing different product types to be dispensed through one machine. The control panel coordinates multiple dispensing mechanisms, enabling customers to select from various products in a single transaction while maintaining manageable system architecture through centralized control.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

2Reliability

If open rigid containers are used for receiving merchandise, then the container structure is stable, but dust and contaminants accumulate and sealing is difficult

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveproduct contamination preventionVSAvoidbagging and sealing system

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Flexible bags replace rigid containers for receiving dispensed products. The flexible bag material allows the system to create hermetic seals by collapsing the bag and applying sealing elements, preventing dust and contaminant accumulation while simplifying the sealing process compared to rigid container systems.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

3Adaptability or versatility

If multiple products are dispensed into a single container, then customer choice is enhanced, but product segregation and contamination prevention become difficult

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveproduct mixing capabilityVSAvoidproduct contamination

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The vending machine divides the dispensing process into separate pathways for different product types, with each bulk vender having its own dispensing chute that feeds into the flexible bag. This segmentation prevents cross-contamination between products while allowing multiple product types to be collected in a single container, as each product maintains its own dedicated dispensing route.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentUS10364056B2Bagging system for a vending machine

Publication Date: 2019.07.30 BEAVER MACHINE

AI summary

A bagging system for a vending machine provides a bag loading device for loading the bag to a bag holder. The bag holder includes clamping arms for clamping opposed side edges of the bag to retain the bag in position for filling. The clamping arms are movable between a position wherein the top of the bag is generally stretched taut and a position wherein the top of the bag is slackened to thereby allow the top opening of the bag to open so that the product can be dispensed into the bag. The product may be associated with a data providing element for providing data relating to the product or a security code, or both, to the vending machine processor.