Multi-Unit Coin Ejection via Single Motor Switching
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing multi-unit coin ejection apparatuses face challenges in selectively ejecting coins of different denominations without complex and durable shutter mechanisms, which can malfunction and are costly to maintain, especially when trying to control three or more units with multiple control mechanisms.
Innovation Solution
A multi-unit coin ejection apparatus that uses a switching unit with coupling gears and a coupling gear displacement mechanism driven by a camshaft to selectively transmit the driving force of a single motor to individual coin ejection units, eliminating the need for shutters and simplifying the structure of each unit.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a shutter mechanism is provided near the coin outlet of each coin ejection unit to selectively eject coins, then coin selection control is achieved, but the structure becomes complicated and the shutter is likely to malfunction with insufficient durability
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts and eliminates the shutter mechanism from each coin ejection unit. Instead of using shutters to control coin ejection, the patent uses a single motor to selectively drive only the necessary coin ejection units through a transmission mechanism with selective engagement, thereby removing the problematic shutter components entirely while maintaining coin selection capability
Solution Approach 2:
The single motor serves multiple functions by being able to selectively drive any of the plurality of coin ejection units through the transmission mechanism. The motor is not dedicated to a single unit but can be universally engaged with any unit as needed, replacing the need for individual control mechanisms for each unit
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple control mechanisms are provided to control three or more coin ejection units, then selective ejection of different denominations is achieved, but the overall structure becomes complicated and maintenance cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention merges multiple control functions into a single motor system. Instead of having separate motors or control mechanisms for each coin ejection unit, a single motor with a transmission mechanism that can selectively engage any unit performs all control functions, thereby reducing overall structural complexity while maintaining the ability to handle three or more denominations
Solution Approach 2:
The transmission mechanism acts as an intermediary between the single motor and the multiple coin ejection units. This intermediary component enables selective power transmission to any unit as needed, simplifying the control architecture by eliminating the need for multiple direct control mechanisms
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 solution allows for efficient and reliable selective ejection of coins of various denominations without individual shutter control, reducing the risk of malfunction and production costs, while enabling easy detachment and replacement of units.
Implementation Method 1
a camshaft rotationally driven by a second motor (M2), wherein the camshaft has cams (44) which are assigned to the respective coin ejection units (110)
Implementation Method 2
a switching unit (40) which switches the transmission destination of the driving force of the first motor (M1) to selectively drive one of the first to fourth coin ejection units (110)
Data Source
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AI summary
A multi-unit coin ejection apparatus that drives selectively coin ejection units using a single motor is provided, which eliminates a selectively coin-emitting mechanism such as a shutter provided in each coin ejection unit. Coin ejection units are selectively driven by switching a destination of a driving force of a first motor using a switching unit. The switching unit has first coupling gears respectively provided for the coin ejection units, second coupling gears engageable with the corresponding first coupling gears, and a coupling gear displacement mechanism configured to displace the second coupling gears between a connection position and a non-connection position. The coupling gear displacement mechanism is operated in response to an instruction such that a designated one of the second coupling gears is disposed at the connection position and a remainder of the second coupling gears is/are disposed at the non-connection position in accordance with the instruction.