Vending machines are thought to have been around since as early as the first century, when an enterprising Greek mathematician and engineer developed a mechanism to dispense holy water for a price. In the centuries that followed, the invention has spawned a massive industry that is ubiquitous the world over. You can thank the Industrial Revolution for the commercial vending machines as we know them today, which can dispense just about anything you can imagine, from fully cooked pizzas to clothes to live seafood. In the United States alone, the vending industry generates over $23 billion in annual revenue.
In order to generate these impressive numbers, vending machines must be extremely reliable — and they use a variety of wire harnesses to keep them running smoothly. While these components aren’t quite as flashy as the products inside or the machine facade, they are an essential part of the overall functionality of the vending system. In this blog post, we’ll take a closer look at what vending machine wire harnesses are and why they are important for keeping these machines and their owners in business.
Design Considerations for Vending Machine Wire Harnesses
The wire harness assembly for a vending machine includes wiring for all of its major functions, including the motor that dispenses items, the currency acceptance mechanism, and the temperature-control system, if present. All these components need to be connected properly for the vending machine to function correctly and safely, especially if there are fresh food items involved.
Materials
The actual cable used in a vending machine wiring harnesses will vary depending on the type of machine, but stranded copper wire is most common. It is widely available, durable enough to withstand frequent use, cost-effective, and has excellent conductivity properties. Where weight is a concern, aluminum wiring may be used if the project’s budget allows. In a case where a vending machine has multiple components that require their own dedicated electrical lines, multiple strands of insulated copper wire could be most appropriate,
Connectors
Vending machines also require specialized connectors that connect the various wires together. These typically include a plastic housing which helps protect them from dirt and damage while allowing easy access when needed. Depending on the type of vending machine, a wire harness may include several different types of connectors in sub-miniature, miniature, or large plastic housings.
When developing a wire harness for a vending machine, the durability and security of the connections is of critical importance. The machine’s own components generate vibrations each time an item is being dispensed or currency is accepted, and the cumulative effect of this force can be destructive over time, especially with heavy use. A vending machine wire harness should be configured so that regular inspection can be performed on all connections to ensure they remain intact and the machine continues to run efficiently without any malfunctions.
Safety & Energy Efficiency
Because vending machines are so common in indoor settings, safety for both users and technicians is paramount. The machines are often placed in tight, cramped spaces which can increase the risk of fire due to poor ventilation and accumulated dirt and dust. During the development process, it’s important to test all of the components within a wire harness to ensure all electrical current is properly contained and that no part of the system is at risk of overheating and starting a fire.
Energy efficiency is an additional factor to consider when it comes to a vending machine’s wire harness. In order to vend on demand, the machines are constantly consuming electricity, which can lead to higher energy bills and increased carbon emissions. An energy-efficient vending machine wire harness could be designed for lower wattage and fewer components, allowing the system to run more cleanly while providing the same level of performance. You could also choose to incorporate sensors that monitor temperature and power levels and adjust accordingly. By optimizing efficiency, a well thought out vending machine wire harness can reduce energy use, overall environmental footprint, and, ultimately, costs over time.
The Benefits of Vending Machine Wire Harnesses
Durability is the name of the game when it comes to vending machines, but there are more benefits to a custom wire harness assembly than simply ensuring the machine survives over time. Besides protecting delicate components from the elements, dirt, and human interference, a wire harness secures and minimizes the footprint of circuits. Being grouped into a wire harness assembly means wires are far less likely to get tangled, pinched, or dislodged from their connectors. This optimizes functionality and use of space, which is critical when you’re aiming to store and dispense a variety of items in a compact space.
On the maintenance side, a wire harness can help minimize the time, labor, and cost associated with vending machine repairs. An organized assembly allows technicians to isolate and address problems with individual parts of the system rather than waste time troubleshooting through trial and error. Damaged and/or malfunctioning components can then be repaired or replaced and simply reconnected. That means less downtime for each machine, as well as cost savings across the board.
In addition, wire harnesses can be tailored to meet the specs and safety requirements of vending machines that involve unique items or electronic processes. The vending industry is a crowded space, and it takes some unorthodox ideas to stand out in a saturated market. Bringing a new product to the vending world may involve a bespoke system that incorporates new applications of refrigeration, UV lighting, or even robotics. Luckily, with the right technology and support, a vending machine wire harness can be manufactured for just about any electrical load in any configuration.
Custom Vending Machine Wire Harness Solutions
Having reliable wire harnesses in your vending machines is critical for their proper operation and efficiency over time. At Kauffman Engineering, we’re ready to help you tackle this challenge with cutting-edge materials, deep industry expertise, and automated assembly solutions. As one of the largest and most advanced manufacturers of wire harness and cable assemblies in the United States, we offer professional support and integrated engineering solutions for custom, commercial scale vending machine wire harness projects, from design and testing through to production. Our customers can count on short lead-times, flexible scheduling, and on-time delivery.
Have a project in mind? Contact us today to get started.