Coin Chute Protector Channel Diverts Liquid Ingress
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Solution Overview
Problem
Self-service terminals (SSTs) are vulnerable to damage from liquids such as rain, snow, and spilled beverages entering through the coin chute, causing corrosion and electrical shorts due to their exposed design.
Innovation Solution
A coin chute protector with a body that directs liquids away from the coin chute opening, featuring a channel to divert liquids and a textured surface for easy coin insertion, while allowing coins to pass through, thereby preventing liquid ingress and protecting the SST's internal components.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the coin chute has a large opening to allow bulk coin entry, then coin deposit efficiency is improved, but liquid ingress risk increases
Solution Approach 1:
The coin chute assembly is segmented into distinct functional components: the coin chute body with opening, the coin divertor element that separates coins from liquids, and the coin receptacle. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function - the divertor element intercepts liquids while allowing coins to pass through to the receptacle, thus maintaining bulk coin entry capability while preventing liquid ingress.
Solution Approach 2:
The coin divertor element acts as an intermediary component positioned between the coin chute opening and the coin receptacle. It mediates the flow by allowing coins to pass through while diverting liquids away from the receptacle, thus protecting internal components without impeding coin deposit efficiency.
2Ease of operation
If the coin chute opening is exposed to allow coin insertion, then ease of operation is improved, but vulnerability to liquid damage increases
Solution Approach 1:
The coin divertor element serves as a protective intermediary that is transparent or translucent, allowing users to easily insert coins while physically blocking liquids from reaching internal components. The divertor maintains the exposed opening for easy coin insertion while providing reliable protection.
Solution Approach 2:
The coin divertor element can be implemented as a thin, transparent barrier that does not obstruct user interaction with the coin chute. This thin film-like structure allows visual confirmation of coin insertion while providing effective liquid protection.
3Reliability
If a coin chute protector is added to prevent liquid ingress, then reliability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The protector is segmented into modular components (chute body, divertor element, receptacle) that can be manufactured separately and assembled, simplifying production and maintenance while providing comprehensive liquid protection.
Solution Approach 2:
The coin divertor element performs multiple functions simultaneously: it diverts liquids away from internal components, guides coins to the receptacle, and provides a visible barrier that maintains user confidence. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional separate protective components.
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed is a coin chute protector for a self-service terminal. The coin chute protector may comprise a body having a first surface and a second surface. The second surface may define a channel arranged to direct a liquid toward a first edge of the second surface. The coin chute protector may be sized to fit within an indentation defined by a coin chute of the self-service terminal.