Coin Dispenser Hinged Paddle Mechanism Prevents Jamming
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing coin and token dispensers face issues such as jamming due to knurling and grooves on coins/tokens, complexity in structure, frequent maintenance needs, and incorrect dispensing of multiple coins when only one is required, particularly due to the weight of coins and spring wear.
Innovation Solution
A coin and token dispenser with a rotatable disc featuring radial through-slots and hinged paddles with guide means, including pins and an annular cam, that draw and push coins/tokens along a circular pathway, ensuring accurate dispensing without jamming and reducing maintenance needs by eliminating the need for springs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If rigid fixed teeth are used as drawing means, then the structure is simple, but coins/tokens with knurling and grooves can jam and block between the teeth and deflecting member
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces rigid fixed teeth with elastic drawing members that can dynamically adapt their position. These elastic members are mounted on springs, allowing them to flex and deform when encountering coins with knurling or grooves, thereby preventing jamming while maintaining drawing functionality. The elastic members can compress against irregular coin surfaces and still push coins toward the deflecting member effectively.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the physical state of the drawing members from rigid to elastic by introducing spring-mounted components. This parameter change allows the drawing members to accommodate variations in coin surface characteristics (knurling, grooves) while maintaining reliable coin drawing. The elasticity enables the system to handle diverse coin types without jamming.
2Adaptability or versatility
If spring-mounted walls are used as drawing means, then coins/tokens of any diameter can be accommodated, but the structure becomes complex and requires frequent maintenance due to spring wear
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs elastic drawing members mounted on springs that can dynamically adjust to different coin diameters. The spring-mounted configuration allows the drawing members to flex and adapt their position based on coin size, accommodating both small and large diameter coins effectively. This dynamic adaptation eliminates the need for multiple fixed drawing members for different coin types.
Solution Approach 2:
The spring-mounted elastic drawing members serve multiple functions: they draw coins of varying diameters, accommodate different coin thicknesses, and prevent jamming through their elastic deformation capability. This universal design allows a single drawing mechanism to handle diverse coin types without requiring separate specialized components.
3Productivity
If spring-mounted walls are used as drawing means, then coins can be drawn effectively, but frequent maintenance is required due to spring wear
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs elastic drawing members that can be easily replaced as wear occurs. These drawing members are designed as relatively simple, inexpensive components that can be quickly swapped out without requiring complex disassembly or specialized tools. The spring-mounted design allows for straightforward replacement of worn elastic members, significantly reducing maintenance time and cost compared to integrated spring mechanisms.
4Measurement precision
If the weight of coins is considered, then accurate single-coin dispensing is compromised due to multiple coins being present in the seating
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses elastic drawing members that can dynamically respond to the weight and positioning of coins. When multiple coins are present in a seating, the elastic members compress under their combined weight but maintain contact with at least one coin, allowing the mechanism to detect and draw a single coin effectively. The elastic deformation provides a natural weighting mechanism that prevents multiple heavy coins from being simultaneously drawn.
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 dispenser effectively handles coins and tokens of varying diameters, prevents jamming, ensures accurate single-coin dispensing, and minimizes maintenance requirements by using gravity-guided paddles and a tapered pushing wall to manage coin alignment and weight distribution.
Implementation Method 1
to fall by force of gravity and rotate with respect to the hinge axis so that the second portion (32) of the paddles (30) lowers through the radial through-slot (23) of the rotatable disc (2)
Implementation Method 2
an elastically-loaded ejecting member (9), which is predisposed externally of the rotatable disc (2) and in proximity of the deflecting member (8) and configured such as to receive the coins/tokens deflected by the deflecting member (8) and to push and direct the coins/tokens towards an outlet slot (6)
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3
Figure 4
AI summary
The dispenser (E) of coins and/or tokens comprises: a storage chamber (1); a rotatable disc (2) having an operating surface (21) with a series of radial through-slots (23); coin drawing means (3), associated to the rotatable disc (2) at the radial through-slots (23). The drawing means (3) comprise a series of paddles (30) each having a first portion (31) situated below the rotatable disc (2) and hinged about a relative hinge axis and a second portion (32) inserted in a corresponding radial through-slot (23) and having a pushing wall (320). The dispenser comprises guide means (4, 41, 42) for keeping the second portion (32) of the paddles (30) raised up to a position in proximity of a deflecting member (8) and having reached beyond this position enable the paddles (30) to fall by force of gravity and rotate with respect to the hinge axis and so that the second portion (32) lowers through the radial through-slot (23) so as to transit below the deflecting member (8).