Coin Counter Rigid Push Rod and Pre-Tensioned Resilient Element
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional coin counters face issues with deformation of pliable push members and delayed reaction times of tension springs, leading to counting errors due to coin stacking and delayed ejection, respectively.
Innovation Solution
A coin counter design featuring a rigid push rod and a pre-tensioned resilient element with distinct extension states to prevent coin stacking and ensure rapid ejection, utilizing a rigid push rod and a resilient element with controlled displacement for precise counting.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a pliable push member is used to prevent coin stacking, then the push member can adapt to coin positions, but the push member deforms under the weight of many coins and fails to prevent stacking
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the material parameter of the push member from pliable to rigid, fundamentally altering its mechanical properties to maintain structural integrity under load while still performing the coin separation function
2Strength
If a tension spring is used to return the interrupting element to its initial position, then the spring stores restoring force, but the spring has a slow reaction time due to the displacement needed before stretching begins
Solution Approach 1:
The resilient element is pre-tensioned before the coin ejection event, so that when the interrupting element is displaced, the element is already in a state ready to immediately generate restoring force, eliminating the delay associated with waiting for the spring to start stretching
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 design prevents coin stacking and ensures accurate counting by maintaining the rigid push rod's functionality and quickening the reaction time of the resilient element, reducing errors in coin ejection and counting.
Implementation Method 1
a resilient element having opposite ends coupled respectively to the interrupting element and the stand. The resilient element is pre-tensioned so as to be extended by a first extension amount when the interrupting element is at the first position, and by a second extension amount greater than the first extension amount when the interrupting element is at the second position
Data Source
AI summary
A coin counter includes a receptacle disposed on a stand and defining a space for coins. A rotary plate assembly is disposed in the space, and is driven by a drive assembly to eject the coins out of the receptacle. A rigid push rod forms a spacing with the rotary plate assembly that is substantially equal to a coin thickness. A counter counts the coins that are ejected. The counter includes a sensing element, an interrupting element, and a resilient element having ends coupled to the interrupting element and the stand. The interrupting element is in a path of ejection of the coins at a first position, and is displaced by a coin being ejected at a second position. The sensing element detects displacement of the interrupting element. The resilient element is pre-tensioned when the interrupting element is at the first position.