Coin Conveyor with Curved Guide for Compact Vertical Sorting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current coin accepting and dispensing equipment is inefficient due to the significant vertical distance between the coin input and output, requiring more space and time for transactions, and often compromises on the number of coin types accepted or storage capacity, making it inconvenient and space-intensive in retail environments.
Innovation Solution
A motorized coin conveyor system with a curved guide and resilient members to convey coins from a lower position to an upper position without significant height loss, combined with a coin sensing unit and intelligent sorting system to efficiently process and store various coin denominations, and a sliding hopper mechanism for compact installation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a gravity-propelled coin acceptor is used, then the equipment structure is simple, but the vertical distance between coin input and output increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of allowing coins to fall downward under gravity, the patent inverts the approach by using an upwardly extending conveyor to transport coins from a lower position to an upper position, effectively reversing the traditional gravity-fed direction and eliminating the need for significant vertical drop
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the gravity-based mechanical system with a motorized conveyor system that actively transports coins upward, substituting passive gravitational force with active mechanical propulsion to achieve compact vertical arrangement
2Length of stationary object
If the vertical distance between coin input and output is reduced, then the equipment height is reduced, but the coin conveying mechanism becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a curved guide surface that follows the contour of the conveyor, allowing the conveying mechanism to bend upward and transport coins vertically while maintaining a compact footprint, effectively using curvature to transform vertical displacement into a manageable spatial arrangement
Solution Approach 2:
The guide is positioned within or alongside the conveyor structure, with the resilient member integrating both components into a compact nested arrangement that minimizes overall equipment height while maintaining functional separation
3Adaptability or versatility
If more coin types are accepted, then the equipment versatility increases, but the equipment size increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a universal coin acceptance system where the conveyor and guide mechanism are designed to handle multiple coin denominations and types through a single integrated pathway, eliminating the need for separate processing channels for each coin type and thereby maintaining a compact footprint
4Duration of action of stationary object
If the coin storage capacity is increased, then the equipment can operate longer without service, but the equipment footprint increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from horizontal expansion of storage space to vertical utilization by positioning hoppers at different elevations and using the upwardly extending conveyor to access upper storage levels, thereby increasing storage capacity without proportionally increasing the equipment footprint
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
The solution reduces the vertical distance between coin input and output, enhances transaction speed, increases the number of accepted coin types, and improves storage capacity, resulting in a more compact and efficient coin handling system that minimizes space requirements and operator intervention.
Implementation Method 1
a resilient member configured to urge the coin conveyor and the curved portion of the guide together
Data Source
AI summary
A coin sensing unit having a rotary sweeping arm is used to determine characteristics of the coins so that the coins can be deposited in a correct one of the hoppers.