Coin counting apparatus with nested optical detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional coin counting apparatuses face challenges in detecting coins accurately as they pass through transfer channels, leading to unreliable counting due to variations in coin materials and sizes.
Innovation Solution
A coin counting apparatus featuring a curved coin transfer channel, a rotating transfer plate with coin grooves, a coin-discharging roller unit, and a light-based detection system that emits beams and uses optical sensors to count coins as they pass through the channel.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional coin counting apparatuses use simple transfer channels without specialized detection structures, then device complexity is reduced, but detection reliability of coins passing through the transfer channel deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The detection unit is nested within the transfer channel structure, with the light irradiation unit and optical detection unit integrated into the channel walls. This allows the detection system to be embedded within the existing transfer mechanism without requiring separate external detection systems, thereby improving detection reliability while controlling device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
Light beams serve as an intermediary between the coin and the detection system. The light irradiation unit emits beams through the transfer channel, and the optical detection unit detects reflected or transmitted light from coins passing through, enabling non-contact detection that improves reliability without adding mechanical complexity to the transfer mechanism.
2Productivity
If conventional coin counting apparatuses use high-speed transfer mechanisms, then productivity is improved, but measurement precision of coin detection deteriorates due to motion blur and detection timing issues
Solution Approach 1:
The detection system operates continuously as coins pass through the transfer channel, with light beams constantly illuminating the detection zone. This continuous detection approach maintains measurement precision even at high transfer speeds by ensuring that every coin is detected during its passage without requiring pause or deceleration.
Solution Approach 2:
The optical detection system replaces mechanical measurement methods that would require coins to be stationary or slow-moving. By using light-based detection that can capture coin presence and characteristics during high-speed transit, the system maintains measurement precision while enabling high-productivity operation.
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
This design enhances the reliability of coin counting by ensuring accurate detection and counting of coins, reducing errors and improving efficiency, while also preventing issues with foreign materials.
Implementation Method 1
an optical detection unit configured to detect beams reflected by coins
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to a coin counting apparatus including: a frame in which an accommodation part is formed and a coin transfer channel connected to an outlet provided at a partition forming the accommodation part; a rotating transfer plate rotatably mounted in the accommodation part and including coin-accommodation grooves on a top surface thereof to transfer a coin; a coin-discharging roller unit configured to push the coin toward the outlet using rotational power of the coin to pass the coin through a counter sensing unit at a predetermined speed; and a coin detection unit including a light irradiation unit configured to emit a plurality of beams toward the coin transfer channel and an optical detection unit configured to detect beams reflected by coins to count the coins.