Product Vending Module With Locked Gates for Cooler Access Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional vending machines are expensive and inefficient for locations with low consumer traffic, as they require costly components and large sizes, leading to slow product rotation, while glass door coolers lack controlled product removal.
Innovation Solution
A product vending module with a product gate and locking system, integrated into a glass door cooler, allowing controlled product access and removal, using a latch and biased base for opening and locking mechanisms, and a control system to manage door movement and lock remaining modules.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a traditional vending machine is used, then product removal is controlled, but the cost of operation and maintenance is high
Solution Approach 1:
The vending system is divided into multiple independent product vending modules, each with its own gate and locking system. This segmentation allows the system to provide controlled product removal for each module independently while reducing the overall complexity and cost compared to a traditional full-size vending machine.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs simpler, more cost-effective components such as basic latches and gates instead of expensive traditional vending mechanisms. These simpler components achieve the essential function of controlled product removal at a lower cost of operation and maintenance.
2Reliability
If a traditional vending machine is used, then product removal is controlled, but the size is large leading to slow product rotation
Solution Approach 1:
By dividing the vending system into multiple small, independent modules with individual gates, the patent creates a compact configuration that improves product rotation speed. Customers can access specific modules quickly without waiting for a large centralized mechanism, thereby increasing productivity while maintaining controlled product removal.
3Ease of manufacture
If a glass door cooler is used, then the cost is lower and product visibility is improved, but product removal cannot be controlled
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces product gates and locking systems as intermediary components between the glass door cooler and the products. These intermediaries maintain the cost-effectiveness and visibility benefits of glass door coolers while adding the necessary control mechanism for regulated product removal.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking system is designed to automatically lock remaining product vending modules when one module is accessed. This self-service mechanism provides controlled product removal without requiring complex centralized control, maintaining simplicity and cost-effectiveness while achieving the desired reliability.
4Reliability
If multiple product vending modules are provided, then controlled product removal is achieved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the locking functions of multiple product vending modules into a single integrated locking system. When one module is accessed, the system automatically locks the remaining modules through this unified mechanism, reducing the overall device complexity compared to having independent locking mechanisms for each module.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking system operates automatically through self-service mechanisms. When a product gate is opened, the system automatically locks the remaining gates without requiring external intervention or complex control logic, thereby achieving controlled product removal while minimizing device complexity.
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
Provides a cost-effective and efficient vending solution with controlled product access, promoting impulse purchases and accommodating various product sizes and types, suitable for low-volume locations with visibility benefits of glass door coolers.
Implementation Method 1
a biased base such that releasing the latch allows the product gate to be opened
Data Source
AI summary
The present application provides a product vending module for vending a number of products. The product vending module may include a product row, a product gate positioned about the product row, and a product locking system in communication with the product gate. The product locking system may include a latch and a biased base such that releasing the latch allows the product gate to be opened and one of the number of products to be removed therefrom.