What is the working principle of a gravity-fed slide?
Nov 28 , 2025
The tilt angle generates a component of gravity: Gravity flow shelf is designed with a tilt angle of 5°-15° (adjusted according to the weight of the goods). When the goods are placed on the slide, their own weight will be decomposed into a component force along the slide, which becomes the power source for the goods to slide, without the need for additional electric drive.
The guide structure constrains the sliding trajectory: the vending machine roller shelf side guards on both sides of the slide and the partition in the middle form a fixed channel, which restricts the goods to slide only along the direction of the slide, avoids deviation and tipping, and ensures that the goods move forward automatically in a straight line.
Sliding components reduce frictional resistance: The store selves smart shelf slide surface (rollers) is made of low-friction material, which reduces the friction between the goods and the slide, allowing the component of gravity to be sufficient to propel the goods to slide smoothly.
The "first-in, first-out" logic is adapted as follows: when replenishing, new goods are placed from the high side (rear end) of the chute, and goods are retrieved from the low side (front end). When goods at the front end are taken away, goods at the rear are automatically moved to the front end under the action of gravity, thus naturally realizing the "first-in, first-out" inventory turnover logic.
