Water Bottle Return Mechanism With Anti-Removal Actuating Arms
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Solution Overview
Problem
Consumers face inefficiencies in returning large-sized recyclable water bottles, as current methods often require manual assistance and do not facilitate quick or efficient recycling, especially in retail settings where scheduled deliveries are not feasible.
Innovation Solution
A self-service apparatus with a bottle return mechanism featuring an elongated cylinder and pivotally secured actuating arms that detect and secure bottles, allowing for autonomous return and generating a receipt to avoid deposit fees, combined with a flexible member to prevent bottle removal.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If manual assistance is used for returning bottles, then the return process can be guided, but the efficiency and speed of return is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a self-service bottle return system where the apparatus autonomously detects bottle insertion through sensors, activates dispensing mechanisms, and provides receipts without requiring manual assistance. The system includes automatic bottle detection sensors, automated dispensing of replacement bottles, and automated receipt printing, allowing consumers to complete the entire return process independently and quickly.
2Extent of automation
If a self-service apparatus is implemented, then autonomy and speed are improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the bottle return apparatus into distinct functional modules: a bottle detection system with sensors positioned to detect bottle insertion, a dispensing mechanism for providing replacement bottles, a receipt printing mechanism, and a control system that coordinates these components. Each module operates independently but is integrated through the control system, allowing for easier maintenance and reduced overall complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The apparatus is designed to perform multiple functions within a single integrated structure: detecting bottle insertion, dispensing replacement bottles, providing change or receipts, and guiding the user through the process. This multi-functionality is achieved through a compact design where sensors, dispensing mechanisms, and printing components share common structural elements and control pathways.
3Speed
If actuating arms are positioned closer to the inlet opening, then bottle detection is more responsive, but the risk of bottle removal increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs actuating arms that are positioned and configured to engage the bottle immediately upon insertion detection. The arms are pre-positioned in a ready state and activate automatically when the sensor detects bottle presence, securing the bottle before any removal attempt can occur. This preliminary action ensures both rapid detection and immediate security.
Solution Approach 2:
The actuating arms are positioned at different distances from the inlet opening along the longitudinal axis of the cavity. This spatial arrangement creates multiple detection and engagement zones, allowing the system to detect bottle insertion at one position while securing it at another position further inside the cavity, thereby maintaining both responsiveness and security.
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus and method for receiving a recyclable product is disclosed herein. In one embodiment the apparatus includes: an enclosed structure defining an interior cavity; a bottle return mechanism for determining when a bottle has been received within the interior cavity; and a mechanism coupled to the bottle return mechanism, the mechanism being configured to provide an output when the bottle return mechanism has determined that a bottle has been inserted into the interior cavity.