Vending Machine Delivery Mechanism Using Shared Row Actuation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Vending machines with multiple delivery mechanisms for each product row increase complexity and cost, as each row requires a motor, leading to a need for a more cost-effective and simplified product dispensing system.
Innovation Solution
A vending machine design featuring a movable product retrieval assembly with a drive mechanism that actuates advancing assemblies, eliminating the need for individual motors on each assembly, using an x-y mechanism and a gear train to convey products from storage to the delivery portal.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a separate delivery mechanism with motor is installed for each product row, then product delivery reliability is improved, but device complexity and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple advancing assemblies that were previously independent with separate motors are merged into a single integrated system. The drive mechanism is consolidated into one shared motor and transmission system that can actuate multiple product rows through a common power source, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining delivery capability
Solution Approach 2:
A single drive mechanism is designed to perform multiple functions by actuating different advancing assemblies for various product rows. The shared motor and transmission system can selectively drive any of the advancing assemblies, making one component serve multiple product delivery purposes simultaneously
2Reliability
If a separate delivery mechanism with motor is installed for each product row, then product delivery reliability is improved, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple motors and drive systems are merged into a single shared drive mechanism. This consolidation reduces the total number of components that need to be manufactured, purchased, and assembled, directly lowering manufacturing costs while maintaining the ability to reliably deliver products from multiple rows
Solution Approach 2:
A universal drive mechanism is designed to serve multiple product rows through a single motor and transmission system. This multi-functional approach eliminates the need to manufacture and install separate motors for each row, significantly reducing overall manufacturing expenses
3Manufacturing precision
If multiple motors are used for each product row, then accurate product control is improved, but loss of energy increases
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple independent motors are merged into a single shared motor system with centralized control. This consolidation reduces the total energy consumption associated with having multiple separate motor systems, while the control system maintains precise control over each advancing assembly through coordinated actuation
Data Source
AI summary
A vending machine includes a housing defining a product storage area and a delivery portal. The vending machine may further include an advancing assembly within the product storage area configured to advance a product. The advancing assembly includes an axle having a coupling, a conveyor belt rotatable about the axle, and a pusher secured to the conveyor belt and configured to push the product as the conveyor belt rotates. The vending machine may include a delivery mechanism configured to convey the product from the product storage area to the delivery portal. The delivery mechanism includes an x-y mechanism and a product retrieval assembly movable by the x-y mechanism. The product retrieval assembly includes a cup configured to receive the product from the advancing assembly, and a drive mechanism configured to engage the coupling of the advancing assembly to drive the conveyor belt to advance the product into the cup.