Coin Classification via Reproducible Acceleration and Time-of-Flight
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing coin processing devices face issues with inaccurate coin size measurement due to gravitational movement and complex, prone-to-failure conveyor systems, leading to errors and maintenance challenges.
Innovation Solution
A coin processing device with a computer-controlled coin channel equipped with a sensor for measuring throughput time and an acceleration device to ensure consistent coin speed, allowing precise classification without complex structures, using sensors like optical or magnetic measuring devices to determine coin class.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If coins are moved past sensors due to gravity (inclined coin path), then the device structure is simple, but measurement precision deteriorates due to varying coin movements and rolling
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the equipotentiality principle by making the coin path horizontal, eliminating the gravitational effect that causes coins to roll and move unpredictably. This creates a stable measurement environment where coins move consistently past the sensors without rolling, thereby improving measurement precision while maintaining structural simplicity.
2Measurement precision
If a conveyor unit with pins and belts is used to transport coins, then measurement precision improves, but device complexity increases and reliability decreases due to more moving parts
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and removes the complex conveyor unit with pins and belts from the system. Instead of using an active transport mechanism, the invention relies on a simple horizontal channel where coins move naturally, eliminating the unreliable moving parts while maintaining adequate measurement precision through the horizontal path design.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical conveyor system with a simplified horizontal channel design. Rather than using mechanical belts and pins to transport coins, the system uses a gravity-neutral horizontal path that allows coins to move smoothly past sensors without complex mechanical intervention, thereby improving reliability.
3Difficulty of detecting and measuring
If inductive sensors are used to determine coin size, then measurement capability is provided, but measurement precision deteriorates due to coin rolling on inclined path
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies equipotentiality by creating a horizontal coin path that eliminates gravitational influence on coin movement. This ensures that coins pass through the inductive sensor field in a consistent, non-rolling manner, thereby maximizing the precision of size measurements while maintaining the capability of using inductive sensors.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Ensures high-precision coin classification with reduced maintenance efforts by using reproducible acceleration to minimize measurement errors and simplify evaluation of coin class, activating an alarm for deviations to prevent manipulation.
Implementation Method 1
The at least one coin channel has a sensor suitable for measuring a throughput time of the coin
Implementation Method 2
The coin channel is also provided with an acceleration device designed to generate a reproducible acceleration for the coin
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~4
AI summary
The invention relates to a coin processing device (10) and a corresponding method for classifying coins using the coin processing device (10). For this purpose, the coin processing device (10) comprises at least one computerized controller (9), which has a storage unit (36), and at least one coin channel (34) for guiding a coin (35). The at least one coin channel (34) comprises at least one sensor (37) which is suitable for measuring a passage time of the coin (35) and is connected to the computerized controller (9). Furthermore, an accelerating device (43) for the coins (35) is provided, said accelerating device (43) likewise being connected to the computerized controller (9) and being designed to accelerate the coin (35) in a reproducible manner. A target speed value for a specified coin (35) is stored in the storage unit (36), said target speed value being comparable to an actual speed value of the coin. The actual speed value is calculated on the basis of the transport time detected by the sensor (37). A coin class of the coin (35) is then ascertained by the computerized controller (9) from the comparison of the target speed value and the actual speed value.