Vending Machine Product Pusher for Accurate Low-Complexity Dispensing
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vending machines face challenges in securely and accurately dispensing products, particularly due to structural complexity and potential machine downtime from robotic malfunctions, and are limited in the number of different products they can offer relative to their size.
Innovation Solution
A dispensing device with a pusher mechanism that does not require an electric motor, uses a pusher element and a movable plate to securely dispense products, and includes sensors to detect product presence and position, allowing for a high number of product types in a compact vending machine.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a robotic manipulator is used to pick and move products, then product dispensing can be achieved, but structural complexity increases and machine downtime occurs upon malfunction
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex robotic manipulators with a simpler mechanical pusher system that uses a movable wall to physically push products out of compartments. This substitution eliminates the need for sophisticated sensors, motors, and control systems while maintaining reliable product dispensing functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The dispensing system is designed to be self-acting through the pusher mechanism that automatically moves products along the dispensing path without requiring external robotic intervention. The system uses the inherent mechanical advantage of the movable wall to accomplish dispensing tasks autonomously.
2Adaptability or versatility
If traditional dispensing mechanisms are used, then product dispensing is possible, but the number of different products that can be offered relative to machine size is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the dispensing system into multiple independent compartments, each capable of holding different product types. This segmentation allows the machine to offer a diverse range of products without increasing overall machine size, as each compartment can be independently configured for specific product categories.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent optimizes product storage by utilizing vertical space and three-dimensional arrangement within compartments. Products are arranged in multiple layers and configurations, effectively increasing the number of product types that can be accommodated within the available machine volume.
3Ease of operation
If electric motors are used to drive dispensing mechanisms, then product movement can be controlled, but power requirements and structural complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces electric motors with a purely mechanical pusher system that uses a movable wall actuated by simple mechanical means. This eliminates the need for electrical power supply, motors, and associated control electronics, significantly reducing power requirements while maintaining product movement control.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts and removes the electric motor component from the dispensing system, retaining only the essential mechanical pusher functionality. This extraction simplifies the system by eliminating complex electrical subsystems while preserving the core dispensing capability.
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
Ensures secure and accurate product dispensing, detects product presence and position, and enables vending machines to hold a surprisingly high number of different products without significant structural complexity or power requirements, facilitating easy installation in existing machines.
Implementation Method 1
a pusher element (21) shaped in such a way as to exert a thrust on one or more products (P) placed on the guide (19) towards said outlet section (19A)
Implementation Method 2
includes sensors to detect product presence and position
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~7
Figure 8
AI summary
The invention relates to a product dispensing device (P) designed to equip a vending machine comprising a plurality of compartments (14) in which products are arranged in a row along a main direction (X) on a guide (19), with means for moving the products (P) along the main direction (X); the device comprises: a pusher element (21) configured to push one or more products (P) located on the guide (19) toward a dispensing section (19A), pressing the first product (P) against a stop surface (35); dispensing means for a product (P), arranged and operating at a terminal (30) of the guide (19), and provided with a vertically movable element (307) configured to push the product (P) from below, allowing it to pass the stop surface (35).