Vending Machine Glass Dispensing Without Rim-Dependent Separation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vending machines rely on glass rims or shape/size-dependent separation means, making it difficult to dispense glasses without these features.
Innovation Solution
A dispensing system with first means to support and push glasses vertically, and second means to stabilize the next glass, using rollers and pincers to facilitate glass separation regardless of size or rim presence.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If separation means are used to grip the rim of the glass, then the glass can be separated from the column, but the system becomes dependent on the presence of a rim and cannot dispense glasses without rims
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts the separation function from rim-dependent gripping mechanisms and relocates it to the base support structure. The base support means engages with the glass base rather than the rim, eliminating the requirement for rim presence while maintaining effective separation capability.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of gripping the upper rim to separate glasses, the invention inverts the approach by supporting and separating glasses from the base position. This inversion allows the system to work with glasses regardless of rim presence, as the separation action originates from below rather than above.
2Adaptability or versatility
If elastic elements are adjusted to grip different glass sizes and shapes, then separation can be maintained, but the system becomes dependent on glass size and shape
Solution Approach 1:
The base support means is designed with universal engagement capability that works across different glass sizes and shapes without requiring adjustment. The structural design inherently adapts to various glass dimensions, eliminating the need for size-specific elastic element adjustments.
Solution Approach 2:
The system allows the glass itself to define the engagement parameters through its base geometry. The base support means passively adapts to different glass sizes and shapes through the natural geometry of the glass bases, eliminating the need for active adjustment mechanisms.
3Reliability
If pre-clamping is used to ensure separation force, then reliable dispensing is achieved, but the system requires complex clamping mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts the clamping function from the separation mechanism and replaces it with a base support structure that inherently provides both support and separation. The base support means naturally maintains engagement without requiring additional clamping elements, simplifying the overall mechanism while preserving reliability.
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
Enables reliable glass dispensing independent of glass shape or size, ensuring consistent operation and efficient glass handling.
Implementation Method 1
the support of the column of glasses is carried out by gravity
Implementation Method 2
the force exerted on the glass to be separated is tangential to the lateral wall of the lower glass
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3~4
AI summary
The object of the invention is a vending machine comprising a dispensing system for at least one vertical column of nested glasses which is independent on the size or shape of the glass to be dispensed and which is independent on the presence of the rim of the glass to carry out the separation from the rest of the glasses, wherein the vending machine also comprises a storage system and a recharging system of a plurality of columns of nested glasses.