Working Gumball Machine

Features:

Gumball machines evoke such nostalgia that they instantly transport you back to childhood memories. Starting from one penny, the standard cost of one gumball is now one quarter. The idea of "1 quarter for 1 gumball" struck me, and I managed to design a WORKING gumball machine solely made with LEGO parts that dispenses one real gumball when you insert one quarter dollar.

 

This gumball machine model features a classic design that matches real ones. It can be separated into two main parts: a clear top (gumball container) with a removable white cap, and a red base that plays the most critical role.

 

Inside the base, I designed a series of mechanisms so that when the coin is inserted into the slot of the panel and a handle is turned clockwise 360 degrees, the coin will be deposited in the base of the machine, allowing a gumball to be dispensed into a chute at the bottom of the machine. A tray is placed under the base to collect the coins, and it can be opened with a key and then pulled out of the machine.

 

Another unique design is the handle lock function. Without a coin, the handle cannot be turned in either direction. This function is accomplished by a ratchet gear structure at the back of the panel.

 

During the design, I found that the coins and gumballs can be replaced with Lego parts, which means if it becomes an official set, even without a quarter dollar or gumballs, the machine can still work fine with Lego parts! The only drawback is that you can't actually eat the candy though.

I've made a video about it and the process can be watched on YouTube: