Vending Machine Tray Locking Mechanism for Stability

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Solution Overview

Problem

Vending machines face challenges with heavy trays that require single-at-a-time loading to prevent toppling and securing trays in stowed positions to prevent damage from violent shaking.

Innovation Solution

The product vending machine incorporates powered conveying means and a locking device with rollers and wedging mechanisms to allow trays to be easily loaded and securely locked in place, preventing movement during operation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Quantity of substance

If trays are made heavy to support products, then product carrying capacity is improved, but machine stability deteriorates due to risk of toppling

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveproduct carrying capacityVSAvoidmachine stability

Core Design Contradiction:

Quantity of substanceVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs a locking mechanism that acts as a counterbalance system. When the door is closed, the locking mechanism engages with the trays to provide a counterbalancing force that prevents the heavy loaded trays from causing the machine to topple, while still allowing the trays to support their full product weight during operation

Inventive Principle:

Principle #8Anti-weight (Counterweight)

2Productivity

If multiple trays are loaded simultaneously to improve efficiency, then productivity is improved, but machine stability deteriorates due to toppling risk

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveloading efficiencyVSAvoidmachine stability

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The locking mechanism is engaged in advance (before loading) when the door is closed. This preliminary engagement of the locking mechanism secures the trays in position, enabling operators to load multiple trays simultaneously without risk of toppling, as the locking mechanism is already in place to prevent instability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

3Reliability

If trays are secured tightly to prevent movement during shaking, then reliability is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates due to difficulty in loading

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetray securityVSAvoidloading ease

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The locking mechanism is designed to be dynamic rather than static. It automatically engages when the door is closed to secure trays against shaking, and automatically disengages when the door is opened to allow easy tray removal and loading. This dynamic behavior provides both strong security during operation and ease of loading during maintenance

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

4Reliability

If locking mechanism is always engaged to prevent tray movement, then reliability is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates due to inability to load trays

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetray securityVSAvoidloading ease

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentEP2415031B1Product vending machine

Publication Date: 2013.08.14 N& W GLOBAL VENDING

Figure 1
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Figure 3~4

AI summary

A product vending machine (1) having a locking device (17), wherein a column of rollers (19), fitted along a guide (18) with sufficient play to roll along the guide (18), is selectively engaged by one of a number of wedge members (28, 30) to eliminate the play and move the rollers (19) into a compact configuration preventing insertion of the other wedge members (28, 30); each wedge member (28, 30) being movable with a relative movable part, e.g. a tray (8) or a door (5), of the machine (1).