Vending Dispenser with Mobile App for Calorie-Based Sampling

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Solution Overview

Problem

Consumers face uncertainty when selecting from a wide range of beverage options in dispensing machines like Freestyle®, leading to dissatisfaction and potential overconsumption, especially in the context of calorie-rich products, where there is a need for innovative marketing and sampling strategies to promote lower-calorie options.

Innovation Solution

A system integrating a mobile application and product dispenser that offers push notifications for free samples, allows for variable serving sizes, and employs a user interface to manage sample dispensing, enabling consumers to try products in smaller quantities and purchase based on calorie content, with features like Freestyle® Variserve™ Pricing for customizable serving sizes and pricing based on caloric content.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If consumers are offered over one hundred beverage options in Freestyle dispensing machines, then product variety and consumer choice are improved, but consumer decision-making time and system complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveproduct varietyVSAvoiddecision-making time

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary actions by sending push notifications to consumers' mobile devices before they arrive at the dispenser, allowing them to review options and make decisions in advance. The mobile application pre-loads beverage information, nutritional data, and preferences, so consumers don't need to spend time at the machine itself.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

A mobile application serves as an intermediary between the consumer and the dispensing system. The app presents the extensive beverage menu in a more manageable format, allows consumers to explore options remotely, and transmits their selection to the dispenser, reducing the time they need to spend at the machine.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Adaptability or versatility

If consumers are offered over one hundred beverage options in Freestyle dispensing machines, then product variety is improved, but consumer satisfaction and system efficiency deteriorate due to selection uncertainty

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveproduct varietyVSAvoidconsumer satisfaction

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The system incorporates feedback mechanisms where consumers can rate beverages after trying them, and the system learns from these preferences to provide personalized recommendations. The mobile application tracks consumption patterns and provides feedback loops that help consumers make better-informed choices aligned with their preferences and health goals.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

3Ease of operation

If standard serving sizes are dispensed, then dispensing simplicity is maintained, but calorie consumption and health concerns increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedispensing simplicityVSAvoidcalorie consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The system transitions from static, fixed serving sizes to dynamic, adjustable portions. The dispenser can vary the amount dispensed based on real-time inputs from the mobile application, allowing consumers to select custom portion sizes that match their caloric needs and preferences while maintaining ease of operation through automated control.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system changes the parameter of serving size from fixed to variable. The mobile application and dispenser work together to allow consumers to adjust portion parameters, and the system automatically calculates and dispenses the appropriate amount, maintaining simplicity while enabling calorie control.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

4Adaptability or versatility

If free product sampling is offered, then consumer engagement and product trial are improved, but product cost and dispensing complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconsumer engagementVSAvoiddispensing complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The mobile application serves multiple functions: it acts as a menu interface, preference tracker, notification system, and authorization mechanism for free samples. The dispenser is programmed to recognize and process mobile device communications, allowing it to differentiate between paid and free sample dispensing using existing hardware and software components.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentUS10319001B2System, method, and apparatus for purchasing, dispensing, or sampling of products

Publication Date: 2019.06.11 TRANSPARENSEE LLC

AI summary

Systems, methods, and apparatus for the purchase of and/or free sampling of products. The systems, methods, and/or apparatus may permit push notifications of purchased products and/or free product samples being available and may permit the use of mobile devices and/or mobile device applications to be used to purchase products or dispense free samples of products via a product dispenser or vending machine.