Articulated Coin Elevator Belt for Multi-Coin Transport
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional coin mechanisms are limited by their ability to transport only a single coin at a time, leading to inefficiency in space utilization and increased complexity due to the need for deflectors, which also cause frequent jamming and breakdowns.
Innovation Solution
A coin elevator mechanism with a continuous articulated conveyor belt featuring inclined scoop projections that form a coin pocket between housing walls, allowing multiple coins to be transported simultaneously without the need for deflectors, using gravity for egress.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a continuous articulated conveyor belt with multiple link members is used to transport coins, then the productivity is improved by transporting multiple coins simultaneously, but the device complexity increases due to the articulated structure
Solution Approach 1:
The conveyor belt is divided into multiple articulated link members that can independently move and rotate. Each link member is segmented to carry multiple coins simultaneously, allowing parallel transport operations that increase productivity while maintaining manageable complexity through modular segmentation
Solution Approach 2:
Each link member serves multiple functions: it acts as both a structural support element and a coin transport carrier. The universal design of the link members allows them to perform both mechanical support and coin conveyance tasks, reducing the need for separate specialized components
2Ease of operation
If deflectors are added to remove coins from the conveyor belt, then the ease of operation is improved by controlling coin flow, but the device complexity increases and reliability decreases due to increased jamming
Solution Approach 1:
The deflector component is completely removed from the system. Instead of using deflectors to control coin flow, the invention relies on the natural gravity and the designed geometry of the link members to guide coins off the conveyor belt, eliminating the source of reliability problems while maintaining operational control
Solution Approach 2:
The coin removal process becomes self-service through gravity. Coins automatically slide off the inclined surfaces of the link members without requiring active deflector mechanisms, reducing mechanical complexity and improving reliability while maintaining effective coin flow control
3Productivity
If the conveyor belt is designed to transport multiple coins at once, then the productivity is improved, but the area occupied by the mechanism increases
Solution Approach 1:
The coin transport is extended into the vertical dimension through the articulated movement of link members. Coins are transported not just horizontally but also vertically as the link members rotate and move, allowing multiple coins to be conveyed through a compact three-dimensional space rather than requiring a large horizontal footprint
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
Enhances efficiency by transporting multiple coins per unit space and reduces jamming by eliminating the need for deflectors, thus improving reliability and reducing maintenance.
Implementation Method 1
a continuous articulated conveyor belt (7) comprising a plurality of interconnected link members (8)
Implementation Method 2
coins exit the mechanism via the egress aperture under the influence of gravity only
Data Source
AI summary
A coin elevator mechanism that includes a first housing wall and an opposing second housing wall, with a coin ingress aperture in the first housing wall and a coin egress aperture in the second housing wall positioned above the ingress aperture. A continuous articulated conveyor belt with multiple link members communicates between the ingress and egress apertures. At least one link member features a coin scoop projection that is inclined relative to a transverse axis of the link. As the conveyor belt operates, the coin scoop projection forms a coin pocket, delimited at its ends by the two housing walls, and is configured to carry multiple coins from the ingress aperture to the egress aperture. Coins are transported upward and discharged under the influence of gravity.