Vending machine
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Solution Overview
Problem
Vending machines with existing guide devices require lengthy and uncomfortable disassembly and assembly operations due to the presence of fastening screws, which complicates modifications based on product shape.
Innovation Solution
The use of retractable spring-loaded locking pins and U-shaped guides with coupling teeth and slots allows for tool-free assembly and disassembly of guides within the vending machine cabinet, enabling quick and secure mounting and removal without screws.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If fastening screws are used to secure guides to the cabinet, then the guides are firmly fixed and stable, but the assembly and disassembly operations become lengthy and complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the fastening function from traditional screws and relocates it to a removable fastening element that can be quickly inserted and removed. This allows the guide to be securely fixed during operation but easily removed when configuration changes are needed, resolving the contradiction between stable fixation and quick reconfiguration.
Solution Approach 2:
The fastening system transitions from a static screwed connection to a dynamic removable connection. The fastening element can be quickly inserted to provide stable fixation or removed to enable rapid reconfiguration, allowing the system to adapt between stability and flexibility based on operational needs.
2Stability of the object's composition
If fastening screws are used to secure guides, then the guides remain firmly in position, but the modification process becomes uncomfortable and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The fastening function is extracted from permanent screws to a removable fastening element, enabling the guide to maintain stable positioning during operation while allowing easy removal and repositioning when product shape changes require reconfiguration.
Solution Approach 2:
The fastening system is segmented into a removable fastening element and corresponding receptacles, allowing the guide to be independently removed and repositioned without affecting other components, thereby simplifying the reconfiguration process while maintaining stability during use.
3Reliability
If multiple fastening screws are used per guide, then the guide is securely mounted, but the number of assembly steps increases
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple fastening functions are merged into a single removable fastening element that can be quickly inserted and removed. This consolidates what would otherwise require multiple screw operations into one simple action, maintaining secure mounting while reducing assembly complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The complex multi-screw fastening system is extracted and replaced with a simplified removable fastening element that provides equivalent security through a single insertion action, thereby reducing the number of assembly steps while maintaining mounting 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
This solution simplifies the assembly and disassembly process, reducing operational complexity and time while ensuring secure guide positioning, enhancing manufacturing efficiency and user convenience.
Implementation Method 1
at least one locking pin mounted to the guide and configured to lock the guide on the cabinet
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3~4
AI summary
A vending machine has a cabinet (2) internally defining a dispensing compartment (3) that is closed by a front door (6) and houses a plurality of dispensing trays (8), each of which supports a plurality of products and is slidably engaged in a guide device (10) defined by a pair of elongated guides (11), each of which is coupled to the cabinet (2) through a front tooth (13) and a rear tooth (14) and is provided with a retractable spring-loaded locking pin (17) movable between a coupling position and a release position with respect to the cabinet (2).