Coin Feeding Disk with Segmented Protrusions for Single-Coin Sorting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing coin feeding apparatuses face challenges in properly sorting coins of varying diameters, as multiple protrusions on the disk can cause small-diameter coins to be caught together, leading to improper sorting and storage.
Innovation Solution
The coin feeding apparatus employs a disk with strategically arranged protrusions and a separation mechanism, including a separation cam and guide, to ensure that coins are fed one by one to the transport path, preventing side-by-side coins from being sorted together by using a separation cam to separate one coin while the other remains on the disk.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple protrusions are disposed on the disk surface to feed coins of various diameters, then the adaptability to different coin diameters is improved, but the sorting precision deteriorates because multiple small-diameter coins may be caught on protrusions side by side
Solution Approach 1:
The disk surface is divided into multiple zones with different protrusion patterns. The first circumferential region has protrusions spaced to catch single large-diameter coins, while the second circumferential region has protrusions spaced to catch single small-diameter coins. This segmentation allows the same disk to adapt to various coin diameters while maintaining sorting precision by ensuring only one coin is caught per rotation in each region.
Solution Approach 2:
Different regions of the disk surface are given different local qualities in terms of protrusion arrangement. The first circumferential region has a specific protrusion density and spacing optimized for large coins, while the second circumferential region has a different density and spacing optimized for small coins. This local differentiation resolves the contradiction by providing location-specific solutions for different coin sizes.
2Adaptability or versatility
If protrusions are spaced closely to catch small-diameter coins, then the adaptability to small coins is improved, but the reliability of single-coin feeding deteriorates because multiple coins may be caught simultaneously
Solution Approach 1:
The disk circumference is segmented into distinct regions with different protrusion configurations. The second circumferential region contains tightly spaced protrusions that can catch small-diameter coins, while the first circumferential region contains widely spaced protrusions. A separation mechanism is positioned between these regions to ensure that even when multiple coins approach, only one is fed at a time, thus maintaining reliability while adapting to small coins.
3Device complexity
If a single disk pattern is used for all coin diameters, then the device complexity is reduced, but the adaptability to various coin diameters deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
A single disk is designed to perform multiple functions by incorporating different protrusion patterns in different circumferential regions. The disk can adapt to various coin diameters (both large and small) using the same physical component, eliminating the need for multiple interchangeable disks while maintaining versatility. This multi-functional design reduces device complexity while preserving adaptability.
Data Source
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AI summary
A coin feeding apparatus comprising: a disk that includes a plurality of protrusions on a surface of the disk, is disposed to be inclined and rotatable, and, when rotating, causes a first coin or a second coin to be caught on and carried upward by the plurality of protrusions, the second coin having a diameter greater than that of the first coin; a cover that forms, between the cover and a surface of the disk, a space for storing a coin therein; and a separation unit that separates one coin out of two of the first coins from the plurality of protrusions so as to cause the one coin to fall into the space, the two first coins being caught on the plurality of protrusions side by side.