Coin Device Optical Transmission Element for Tube Level Measurement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing coin devices with multiple coin tubes require a high effort and large space for filling level measurement due to the complexity of optical paths, resulting in a cumbersome and space-intensive setup.
Innovation Solution
A single optical transmission element connected via transmission light guides to all coin tubes, with a common holder and forked light guides for pairs of tubes, reduces the number of required transmission elements and allows for a space-saving design by routing light paths through the coin tubes, using a simpler plastic injection molding process.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If multiple optical paths are provided for each coin tube to measure filling level, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity and space requirement increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple optical paths into a single shared optical path that serves all coin tubes. Instead of providing separate transmitting and receiving elements for each tube, the invention uses one transmitting element and one receiving element that detect light through multiple coin tubes via light guides, thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining measurement capability across all tubes
Solution Approach 2:
The single optical transmission element serves multiple functions by detecting light from all coin tubes through the shared optical path and light guides. The system universally measures filling levels across all coin tubes using the same optical element, eliminating the need for dedicated optical paths for each individual tube
2Measurement precision
If four optical paths are provided for each coin tube, then measurement precision is improved, but the space required increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple optical paths into a single shared optical path that serves all coin tubes. Instead of providing separate transmitting and receiving elements for each tube, the invention uses one transmitting element and one receiving element that detect light through multiple coin tubes via light guides, thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining measurement capability across all tubes
Solution Approach 2:
The light guides are routed through the coin tubes themselves, using the existing tube structure as part of the optical path. This nesting approach allows the optical measurement system to utilize the space already occupied by the coin tubes, minimizing additional space requirements
3Ease of manufacture
If transmitting and receiving elements are arranged on a printed circuit board, then ease of manufacture is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple optical paths into a single shared optical path that serves all coin tubes. Instead of providing separate transmitting and receiving elements for each tube, the invention uses one transmitting element and one receiving element that detect light through multiple coin tubes via light guides, thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining measurement capability across all tubes
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 significantly reduces construction and equipment complexity, requiring only four transmission elements for twenty-four optical paths, enabling precise filling level measurement while allowing for close arrangement of coin tubes and efficient use of space.
Implementation Method 1
a single optical transmission element is provided for a measuring plane of all coin tubes, which is connected to openings in the coin tubes via transmission light guides
Implementation Method 2
transmission light guides, which are formed in one piece with the feed points of the transmission fiber optics
Implementation Method 3
an optical receiving element is assigned to one end of the receiving light guide
Data Source
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AI summary
The dispenser has optical transmission units e.g. LED, and optical reception units for generating a light beam in an optical range, and for receiving the light beam, respectively. A control device activates the transmission unit, and an evaluation device evaluates an output signal of the reception unit. The transmission units are provided for a measuring level of coin tubes (10-20) and are connected with openings (60, 64) of the coin tubes over emitted-light guides. Supply points (32-38) of the light guides are arranged on top of each other.