Coin Processing Device Outer Diameter Detection Accuracy

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional coin processing devices face inaccuracies in detecting the outer diameter of small coins due to overlapping issues with the sensor design, leading to potential mistakes in genuineness and type determination.

Innovation Solution

A coin processing device with a dual coil configuration for material detection and a ring-shaped outer diameter detection sensor setup, utilizing switching between individual and series connection states to enhance accuracy by adjusting oscillation signals and detection methods based on coin type.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If a ring-shaped outer diameter detection sensor with a space at the central section is used, then the outer diameter of bimetal coins can be detected with high accuracy, but the outer diameter of small coins cannot be accurately detected due to overlapping issues

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveouter diameter detection accuracyVSAvoiddetection accuracy across different coin sizes
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The detection sensor is divided into multiple independent coil sections (first coil, second coil, third coil, fourth coil) arranged in series. Each coil section can independently detect electromagnetic field changes, allowing the system to process detection signals from different regions of the coin separately and combine them for comprehensive measurement.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent transitions from a two-dimensional ring-shaped sensor layout to a three-dimensional arrangement where coils are positioned at different spatial locations (first and second coils for material detection, third and fourth coils for outer diameter detection). This spatial dimensionality enhancement allows simultaneous detection of different coin properties without interference.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Device complexity

If a conventional outer diameter detection sensor is used, then the structure is simple, but the oscillation frequency and outer diameter have a non-proportional relationship for small coins leading to detection errors

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesensor structure complexityVSAvoidouter diameter measurement accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges material detection coils (first and second coils) with outer diameter detection coils (third and fourth coils) into a single integrated sensor assembly. This unified structure allows simultaneous detection of both material properties and dimensional properties, ensuring consistent measurement relationships across all coin sizes while maintaining structural efficiency.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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

Improves the accuracy of outer diameter detection for various coin types, including small coins, by ensuring proportional frequency and voltage changes regardless of coin size, thereby enhancing genuineness and type determination processes.

Implementation Method 1

The oscillation circuit oscillates at an oscillation frequency depending on an inductance of the coil. This oscillation frequency is set to a frequency at which an electromagnetic field caused by oscillation is easily affected by the coin.

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic field oscillation: Electromagnetic Induction

Implementation Method 2

As the electromagnetic field is affected by the coin, an amplitude of an oscillation signal also changes. Therefore, it is possible to detect the outer diameter and the material of the coin based on the oscillation frequency and the voltage.

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic interaction with conductive material: Electromagnetic Induction

Data Source

PatentEP3196845B1Coin processing device
Publication Date: 2020.07.22 NIPPON CONLUX
  • EP3196845B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3196845B1 patent drawingFigure 2(a)~2(c)
  • EP3196845B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

To improve detection accuracy of each outer diameter of plural types of coins. A coin processing device 1 including: a material detection sensor 4a which includes a first coil L1 and a second coil L2 facing each other with a coin passage 3 interposed therebetween; an outer diameter detection sensor 4b which includes a ring-shaped third coil L3 that surrounds the first coil and a ring-shaped fourth coil L4 that surrounds the second coil, the third coil and the fourth coil facing each other with the coin passage interposed therebetween; a first oscillation circuit 11 which is connected to the material detection sensor and oscillates a first oscillation signal in an individual connection state and is connected to the material detection sensor and the outer diameter detection sensor that are connected in series and oscillates the first oscillation signal in a series connection state; a second oscillation circuit 12 which is connected to the outer diameter detection sensor and oscillates a second oscillation signal in the individual connection state; a switching unit 15 which switches the individual connection state and the series connection state; and a coin identification unit 16 which detects an outer diameter of a coin using the second oscillation signal in the individual connection state or the first oscillation signal in the series connection state.