How do vending machines work?
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All the machines of vending They continue to be present in various spaces for public use. However, it is not always known how they work and why they are so effective. These and other factors are explained in detail below.
How does the machine calculate the cost of each product?
The buttons to be pressed by the customer are connected to a system in which the customer is recorded the information of each reference. When pressed, the machine is activated and shows the amount of money to be deposited on the corresponding screen.
How do you charge a machine? How do you give the change?
Through a system that detects whether the money is real or not. In the first case, the process continues its course thanks to internal light sensors, electromagnets and optical elements. The machine analyzes the amount of the bill and has the ability to know the type of coin inserted. Thanks to programming, you have the ability to return change automatically.
If you try to pay with counterfeit or bad money, the machine will detect that its characteristics are not correct and will return the money to the customer.
How does a machine with long-lasting products work?
Once the order has been paid, the process to dispense it begins. The motor attached to the metal spirals it starts up so that the article moves forward. Before falling into the lower tray, it passes through a side scanner that identifies it, thus stopping the rotation of the spiral. If the scanner does not detect that the item has fallen, the spiral will continue to rotate until the next one does.
refrigerated machines
In the sector of vending enough has been innovated to offer food as Snacks o hot dogs. the machines food and drinks require a supplementary cooling system. The usual thing is that the products that have to be kept at the same temperature are grouped together. Therefore, there are usually different areas for drinks and food.
However, when requesting a hot dogFor example, the machine includes a specific part to heat it. The process would be as follows:
- El customer presses the code and in the internal part the processes of payment and movement of the metal structures described above take place.
- El product does not fall on the tray, but in an adjoining part where it is heated for a few seconds.
- Finally, go to the bottom of the machine, and through the scanner so that the client can withdraw it.
In these cases, it is also possible to program the heating time and temperature so that each option is served in the most appropriate conditions. The combination of a refrigerated part and a cooking part means that the size of these machines is larger and that periodic maintenance tasks have to be carried out.
hot drink machines
Inside they consist of a cup dispenser, a water tank and another with instant coffee, milk or powdered chocolate among other options. Depending on the option chosen, the water is heated in seconds with the corresponding drink. The glass falls to the lower tray, the main drink falls and then the already mixed powdered milk (if requested by the customer).
In these machines, a security system is added that means that the glass cannot be removed for a few seconds. After this time, the system illuminates the area or removes the blockage of the protective part.
Other interesting facts
The internal electronic system is in charge of recording each purchase and notifying, in the most up-to-date models, when it would be necessary to replace a product. The use of the Internet of things converts each sale into data that must be processed correctly to help whoever has the machine installed to know its profitability.
Furthermore, it is possible get full reports, purchasing trends depending on the time of year and knowing which are the lowest-selling products to consider removing them from the offer. The businessman will be able to know the real state of each machine, update his computer system and detect any fault in seconds, which facilitates the management of each device.
It is recalled that the electronic components of this type of machine are of high technology and of continuous use, which requires constant revision. Any mistake can cause the machine not to return the money or not serve the products to the customer.
La hot meal is experiencing growth in the sector, which implies a firm commitment to quality and variety. Temperature adjustment is essential to prevent hot dogs, following the example above, from burning the customer or being too cold to eat.
Likewise, being exposed to all kinds of external agents, the machines can suffer the consequences of inclement weather. Dirt, the entry of insects or rodents or similar circumstances must be controlled. As indicated, the small computer that each machine contains sends messages to the central unit and blocks the machine in the event of a malfunction.
El final goal of each model put up for sale is none other than ensuring that someone can enjoy their drink or a meal in less than 15 seconds. Depending on its location, the demand may vary, which causes the progressive wear of the installation. Internal circuitry and sensors are very sensitive to shock. Calibrating them and detecting if they have moved is always essential.
All the machines of vending they continue to evolve and make life easier for millions of people around the world. Use the above information to better understand its internal functioning and to assess the service they provide to all types of customers. The union of the electronics with the machine learning and the Internet has been definitive in ensuring that the sector lives a second youth with increasing profitability. Everything is to turn an invention with centuries of existence into an effective tool.
