Vending Machine Goods Identification and Recycling Feedback
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Solution Overview
Problem
Users face difficulties in selecting the appropriate product from numerous embodiments without expert advice, and there is a lack of inducement to recycle used goods, leading to disposal in household waste.
Innovation Solution
A vending machine equipped with an identification apparatus and optical/acoustic signal transducers that interact with a data processing device to identify old goods, facilitating the selection of corresponding stocked goods and offering incentives for recycling through a reimbursement system.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a large number of different product embodiments are stocked in the vending machine, then the variety of goods available to users increases, but the difficulty of selecting the appropriate product for users increases
Solution Approach 1:
The identification apparatus scans the returned good and provides feedback to the signal transducers, which then highlight the corresponding new good locations. This feedback loop guides users directly to the appropriate product replacement, simplifying selection despite large variety.
Solution Approach 2:
The signal transducers act as intermediaries between the identification apparatus and the user. They translate the complex information about which new good to select into simple visual or acoustic signals that guide the user to the correct location.
2Loss of substance
If traditional collection points are provided for recycling used goods, then goods can be collected after use, but users lack inducement to return goods leading to disposal in household waste
Solution Approach 1:
The system automatically identifies the returned good through the identification apparatus and automatically determines which new good location should be highlighted. This self-service automation removes barriers to recycling and provides immediate feedback to users.
Solution Approach 2:
The signal transducers use visual signals (such as lighting up or color changes) to indicate which new good locations correspond to the returned item, providing immediate positive reinforcement and making the recycling process appealing and easy to understand.
3Loss of information
If users must study various product embodiments to make an informed purchase decision, then they can select the most appropriate product, but the time required for decision-making increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs the information-gathering and matching action in advance by scanning the returned good and pre-determining which new good locations are relevant. This preliminary action eliminates the need for users to conduct their own research during the purchase decision process.
Solution Approach 2:
The manual process of researching and comparing product embodiments is replaced by an automated identification and signaling system. The mechanical/scientific systems (scanners, signal transducers) perform the information processing that would otherwise require human cognitive effort and time.
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
Simplifies product selection for users by identifying suitable goods and encourages recycling, reducing waste by providing a convenient and user-friendly method for returning and purchasing goods.
Implementation Method 1
the signal transducers are in the form of optical and/or acoustically signaling signal transducers
Implementation Method 2
the signal transducers are in the form of optical and/or acoustically signaling signal transducers
Implementation Method 3
the signal transducers are in the form of optical and/or acoustically signaling signal transducers
Implementation Method 4
the signal transducers are in the form of optical and/or acoustically signaling signal transducers
Data Source
AI summary
A vending machine having a goods store, a goods dispensing apparatus and a user interface contains a goods input region for inserting goods to be returned and an identification apparatus for the goods which interacts with a data processing device and a data memory. The present invention also relates to a vending machine (40) which is associated with a goods store (2), which goods store (2) is stocked in a manner organized by a plurality of goods carriers (41), wherein a goods input region (4) for inserting old goods intended for replacement, return, or repurchase and an identification apparatus oriented to the input region (4) are provided, and wherein signal transducers (42, 43) are provided which are associated with a goods carrier (41) or with a group of goods carriers (41), wherein said signal transducers (42, 43) have a signal link to the identification apparatus such that following identification of old goods inserted into the goods input region (4) the signal transducer (42, 43) or the signal transducers (42, 43) for a goods carrier (41) or for a group of goods carriers (41) which is/are intended to stock new goods associated with the old goods is/are activated.