Vending Machine Stopper Rolling Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Automatic vending machines face issues with articles standing up due to rebounding when loaded, leading to inefficient ejection and increased costs from additional parts required for rebound prevention.
Innovation Solution
The article ejecting device holds vending articles in a rolling manner using a first stopper member with a recessed holding portion, preventing contact with the outlet adjustment member and distributing impact from subsequent articles, thus suppressing rebounding without additional parts.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If articles are held immovably on the article placement surface, then the vending article can be securely positioned, but the impact from the next vending article causes rebounding and standing up
Solution Approach 1:
The invention transitions from a static holding configuration to a dynamic rolling configuration. The article placement surface is designed with a rolling contact geometry that allows the vending article to rotate slightly around its longitudinal axis while maintaining position. This dynamic capability absorbs impact energy from subsequent articles, preventing rebounding and standing up while preserving positioning stability during normal operation.
2Object-generated harmful factors
If additional rebound prevention parts are added, then rebounding can be suppressed, but the device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The invention employs a self-service approach where the article placement surface itself possesses the rebound prevention capability through its specially designed rolling contact geometry. The surface shape and orientation are configured to naturally absorb impact energy and prevent article standing up without requiring additional separate rebound prevention components. This integrates the rebound prevention function into the existing structure, eliminating the need for extra parts.
3Object-generated harmful factors
If the article placement surface is modified to prevent contact with outlet adjustment member, then rebounding is suppressed, but the manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The invention applies local quality modification by creating a specific rolling contact zone on the article placement surface. Rather than requiring high precision across the entire surface, the rolling contact geometry is localized to the specific area where the vending article makes contact. This localized modified region prevents contact with the outlet adjustment member during impact events, while the rest of the surface maintains standard manufacturing tolerances.
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 effectively prevents articles from standing up during loading and ejection, enhancing operational efficiency while maintaining cost-effectiveness by eliminating the need for additional rebound prevention components.
Implementation Method 1
the article placement surface of the first stopper member is provided with the holding portion holding the vending article in a rolling manner
Implementation Method 2
distributing impact from subsequent articles, thus suppressing rebounding
Data Source
AI summary
An article ejecting device of an automatic vending machine includes an article storage rack having an article storage passage for storing articles while being laid sideways, a base board forming one side of the article storage passage, a first stopper member movable between a protruding position in which the first stopper member protrudes toward the article storage passage and a retractable position in which the first stopper member is retracted from the article storage passage, a second stopper member movable between a protruding position in which the second stopper member protrudes toward the article storage passage and a retractable position in which the second stopper member is retracted from the article storage passage, and an outlet adjustment member forming another side of the article storage passage. The first stopper member includes an article placement surface having a holding portion holding the first vending article in a rolling manner.