Coin Dispensing Apparatus With Closable Shielded Space
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing coin recycling systems in retail establishments require frequent maintenance, are vulnerable to unauthorized access and dust accumulation, and suffer from manual intervention when bulk storage receptacles are full, leading to operational inefficiencies and potential disruptions.
Innovation Solution
A coin dispensing apparatus with a closable dispense space that shields internal components from external access, equipped with a movable member and locking mechanism for secure operation, and a controller that verifies user identity before allowing dispensing, along with a buffer capacity determining system to manage overfilling by redirecting excess coins to a transport container.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If a bulk coin storage receptacle is used, then coin storage capacity is improved, but the machine must be stopped and emptied manually when full, reducing productivity
Solution Approach 1:
The bulk storage receptacle is divided into multiple smaller compartments, each capable of independent filling and dispensing. This segmentation allows the system to continue operating by redistributing coins between compartments rather than stopping when one compartment is full.
Solution Approach 2:
The system automatically manages coin redistribution between compartments using sensors and actuators that monitor coin levels and transfer coins as needed, eliminating the need for manual intervention to empty full compartments.
2Ease of operation
If the dispense space is open for easy access, then ease of operation is improved, but unauthorized access and dust accumulation increase, reducing reliability
Solution Approach 1:
The dispense space is enclosed by movable walls or doors that can dynamically open during dispensing operations and close when not in use. This dynamic enclosure provides protection against unauthorized access and dust accumulation while maintaining ease of operation during active use.
Solution Approach 2:
A controlled access mechanism serves as an intermediary between the user and the dispense space, allowing authorized access during operation while preventing unauthorized entry and dust contamination when the space is not in use.
3Device complexity
If manual emptying of full receptacles is required, then device complexity is reduced, but loss of time increases due to frequent interruptions
Solution Approach 1:
The system automatically monitors coin levels in each compartment and initiates coin transfer operations without human intervention, eliminating the time loss associated with manual emptying while adding only moderate complexity through automated sensing and actuation mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
Sensors continuously monitor coin levels in each compartment and provide feedback to the control system, which automatically triggers coin transfer operations when compartments are full, eliminating manual intervention and time loss while maintaining relatively simple device architecture.
Data Source
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AI summary
A coin dispensing apparatus (100) has a cabinet (102) serving as an apparatus housing for said apparatus (100). The apparatus further has a controller and at least one dispenser for coins to be dispensed. The apparatus is adapted to dispense a specific composition of coins, under control by the controller, from said at least one dispenser (142) to a portable coin receptacle. A closeable dispense space (148) is arranged within said cabinet (100), and closeable dispense space (148) has an open state which permits reception of the portable coin receptacle to be filled, and a closed state which permits dispensing of said specific composition of coins from said at least one dispenser (142) into the portable coin receptacle while shielding said closeable dispense space (148) from external access during the dispensing.