Coin Ejection Apparatus Preventing Incorrect Dispensing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Multi-unit coin ejection apparatuses face issues with incorrect coin ejection and dispensing due to unintentional rotation of non-driven coin ejection units, leading to complications in preventing undesired coin ejection when only select units are driven by a single motor, and existing solutions either require complex mechanisms or fail to enable both normal and reverse rotations.
Innovation Solution
A coin ejection apparatus with a switching unit and unnecessary rotation prevention mechanism, utilizing coupling gears and a coupling gear displacement mechanism to selectively drive desired coin ejection units and prevent unwanted rotation in non-driven units, allowing for both normal and reverse rotations in the driving state while preventing incorrect ejection in the non-driving state using a mechanical structure.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a single motor drives multiple coin ejection units selectively, then cost is reduced and structure is simplified, but unintentional rotation of non-driven units occurs causing incorrect coin ejection
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the driving mechanism into separate driving mechanisms for each coin ejection unit. Each coin ejection unit has its own independent driving mechanism that can be controlled separately, preventing unintentional rotation of non-driven units while maintaining selective drivability. This segmentation resolves the contradiction by eliminating the interference problem inherent in shared driving mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a clutch mechanism as an intermediary between the motor and the rotary disk. The clutch selectively transmits or blocks rotational force based on the driving state, allowing the system to maintain a simplified structure while preventing incorrect ejection. When the clutch engages, it transmits force for normal ejection; when disengaged, it blocks force to prevent unintentional rotation.
2Reliability
If a lock pin mechanism is used to prevent rotation in non-driven units, then incorrect ejection is prevented, but the mechanism becomes complex and costly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the rotation prevention function from a separate complex locking mechanism and integrates it into the clutch mechanism itself. The clutch's engagement and disengagement states naturally provide the rotation prevention function without requiring additional lock pins or complex mechanisms. This extraction resolves the contradiction by eliminating redundant components.
Solution Approach 2:
The clutch mechanism serves multiple functions: it enables selective transmission of rotational force for driving coin ejection units and simultaneously prevents unintentional rotation when disengaged. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate rotation prevention mechanisms, resolving the contradiction between reliability and device complexity.
3Adaptability or versatility
If a ratchet mechanism is used to prevent reverse rotation, then malfunction correction is enabled, but the mechanism cannot allow reverse rotation when needed and becomes complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a dynamic clutch mechanism that can adaptively change its state between engaged and disengaged based on operational requirements. Unlike a fixed ratchet mechanism, the clutch can be controlled to allow or prevent rotation in either direction as needed, providing the flexibility for malfunction correction while maintaining simplicity. The clutch's ability to dynamically adjust its engagement state resolves the contradiction between adaptability and complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
A coin ejection apparatus makes it possible to surely prevent incorrect dispensing due to incorrect normal rotation of a rotary disk or disks in one or more coin ejection units in a non-driving state while permitting normal and reverse rotations of the disk in a driving state. An unnecessary rotation prevention mechanism has a prevention member that prevents unnecessary rotation of the disk in the non-driving state. Engagement/disengagement of the prevention member with a coupling gear is switched responsive to shift between the driving state and the non-driving state. When the relevant coin ejection unit is in the driving state, the prevention member and the coupling gear are disengaged, permitting normal and reverse rotations of the disk. When the relevant coin ejection unit is in the non-driving state, the prevention member and the coupling gear are engaged, preventing incorrect normal rotation of the disk to result in incorrect dispensing.