Sliding Discharge Gate for Jam-Resistant Coin Feeding
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing coin feeding units are prone to jamming and damage due to unwanted objects like buttons or stones getting stuck in the discharge gate, which is not effectively handled by current designs.
Innovation Solution
A coin feeding unit with a slidably arranged discharge gate that is displaceable between closed and open positions, using a drive unit and transmission mechanism to ensure efficient and durable discharge of unwanted objects, reducing the risk of jamming and enhancing structural integrity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a discharge gate is provided in the coin hopper to allow unwanted objects to leave, then the discharge functionality for unwanted objects is improved, but the risk of jamming and damage increases as coins and unwanted objects get stuck in the discharge gate
Solution Approach 1:
The discharge gate is made movable between a closed position (where it forms part of the coin hopper) and an open position (where it allows unwanted objects to discharge). This dynamic configuration allows the system to adapt between two functional states: normal coin storage/transport and unwanted object discharge, resolving the contradiction by making the gate structure changeable rather than static
Solution Approach 2:
The discharge gate is designed to be completely removable from the coin hopper. When unwanted objects need to be discharged, the gate is extracted entirely and placed in a storage position, creating a fully open discharge path. This eliminates the jamming problem associated with gates that partially block the discharge path, while still providing the necessary discharge functionality when needed
2Duration of action of stationary object
If the discharge gate is made robust to prevent damage, then the durability is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The discharge gate system is divided into separate functional components: the gate itself, the guiding rails, the storage position structure, and the actuation mechanism. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently - the gate can be made robust and simple in structure, while the complex functions (movement, storage, actuation) are distributed across multiple simpler components working together
Solution Approach 2:
The discharge gate system incorporates automatic actuation through the coin transport mechanism. When the coin transport unit reaches the discharge position, it automatically triggers the gate to open or move to the storage position, eliminating the need for separate complex control systems while ensuring reliable operation
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
The slidably arranged discharge gate effectively prevents unwanted objects from getting stuck, ensuring reliable operation and reducing the risk of damage, while allowing for faster and more efficient discharge of such objects.
Implementation Method 1
a coin guiding arrangement configured to receive coins and to guide said received coins, by means of gravity, to an inner coin arrival surface of the coin guiding arrangement
Data Source
AI summary
The disclosure relates to a coin feeding unit for a coin handling machine, the coin feeding unit comprising: a coin guiding arrangement, and a coin transport arrangement defining a movable transport surface, wherein said coin guiding arrangement is configured to receive coins and to guide said received coins to an inner coin arrival surface of the coin guiding arrangement, wherein the coin transport arrangement is configured to move said coins, on the movable transport surface, from the coin arrival surface to a coin output position, wherein a discharge gate is provided in the coin guiding arrangement, at the coin arrival surface, for discharging unwanted objects residing thereon, wherein the discharge gate is slidably arranged in the coin guiding arrangement so as to be displaceable, between a closed position and an open position.