Vending Machine Cup Holder and Dispensing Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing beverage vending machines that produce multiple beverage sizes require complex mechanisms for accommodating different cup sizes, making them bulky and costly, and the dispensing devices are vulnerable to vandalism due to their exposed nature.
Innovation Solution
A compact beverage vending machine design featuring axially engaged annular bodies to support cups of different sizes within a take-out compartment, with a rotating dispensing device that moves between rest and dispensing positions, shielded from external access to prevent vandalism and simplify the mechanism.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple cup holders are used to accommodate different cup sizes, then the vending machine can handle various beverage sizes, but the device complexity and size increase
Solution Approach 1:
A single cup holder is designed to universally accommodate multiple cup sizes through adjustable support surfaces. The cup holder can adapt its configuration to support different cup diameters and heights, eliminating the need for multiple dedicated cup holders for different beverage sizes.
Solution Approach 2:
The cup holder incorporates movable and adjustable components that can dynamically adapt to different cup sizes. The support surfaces can be repositioned or reconfigured based on the selected cup type, allowing the same physical structure to serve multiple functions throughout the dispensing cycle.
2Ease of operation
If the dispensing device is made accessible from outside for easy take-out, then user convenience is improved, but the device becomes vulnerable to vandalism
Solution Approach 1:
The dispensing system is divided into separate functional zones: a protected internal dispensing area where the dispensing device operates shielded from external access, and a separate external take-out area where completed cups are delivered. This segmentation allows the dispensing device to remain secure while still providing user convenience through the external take-out compartment.
Solution Approach 2:
A take-out compartment acts as an intermediary between the protected dispensing device and the user. Cups are dispensed into this intermediate zone which is accessible from outside, allowing users to retrieve their beverages without direct access to the vulnerable dispensing device itself.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If a guard mechanism is added to protect the dispensing device, then vandalism is prevented, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The protective function is merged with the existing take-out compartment structure. The compartment that serves as the user interface for cup retrieval also functions as the protective barrier for the dispensing device, eliminating the need for separate guard mechanisms while maintaining both protection and user accessibility.
Data Source
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AI summary
A beverage vending machine (1) having a beverage production unit (18); a store (11a, 11b) containing cups (10a, 10b); a take-out compartment (5) accessible from the outside and having at least two dispensing stations (15a, 15b); at least two cup-holders (9a, 9b), each for supporting a cup (10a, 10b) at a respective dispensing station (15a; 15b); and a beverage dispensing device (16), which defines an outlet of the beverage production unit (18) and is operated to selectively engage the dispensing stations (15a, 15b).