Coin Handling Device with Integrated Sorting and Conveying

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing coin handling devices require significant installation space and are prone to errors due to the transfer of coins between the conveyor unit and sorting unit, with coins often falling into gaps and slots during transfer.

Innovation Solution

A compact coin handling device design where coins remain in the conveyor unit's receiving areas until sorted, eliminating the need for transfer to a separate sorting unit, using a conveyor unit with angled sections and inductive/sensor-based denomination determination, and ejection elements for secure sorting.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If coins are transferred from the conveyor unit to a separate sorting unit, then the sorting function is achieved, but the installation space increases and the reliability decreases due to coins falling into gaps during transfer

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesorting accuracyVSAvoidstructure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the conveyor unit and sorting unit into a single integrated system. The sorting unit is positioned directly adjacent to the conveyor unit's receiving compartments, allowing coins to be sorted in place without physical transfer. This eliminates the gaps and slots that cause coins to fall during transfer, thereby improving reliability while reducing device complexity through consolidation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

2Reliability

If a separate sorting unit is used, then coin sorting is achieved, but the installation space requirement increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesorting accuracyVSAvoidinstallation space
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The sorting unit is integrated with the conveyor unit by positioning it directly adjacent to the receiving compartments. This allows the sorting operation to occur within the same spatial footprint as the conveyor, eliminating the need for separate transfer mechanisms and reducing the overall installation space requirement.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Productivity

If coins are transferred between conveyor unit and sorting unit, then sorting is achieved, but the number of faults increases due to coins falling into gaps

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesorting efficiencyVSAvoidoperational reliability
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent positions the sorting unit directly adjacent to the conveyor unit's receiving compartments, enabling coins to be sorted in place without being removed from the conveyor. This eliminates the transfer process that creates gaps and slots where coins can fall, thereby maintaining high sorting efficiency while improving operational reliability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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 design reduces the risk of errors and space requirements, ensuring accurate sorting and storage of coins within the same receiving areas, enhancing the device's reliability and compactness.

Implementation Method 1

the sensor unit for determining the denomination of the coins

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectInductive sensing: Electromagnetic Induction

Data Source

PatentEP2695144B1Device for handling coins
Publication Date: 2017.08.16 WINCOR NIXDORF INT GMBH
  • EP2695144B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2695144B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2695144B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4

AI summary

The invention relates to a device (10) for handling coins (12), comprising a conveying unit (18) for conveying the coins (12), said conveying unit having a plurality of receiving regions (52), each of which receives a coin (12). The device (10) further has a sensor unit (20) for ascertaining the denomination of the coins (12), said conveying unit (18) transporting the coins (12) past the sensor unit (20). Furthermore, the device (10) comprises at least two receiving containers (26) for storing coins (12) and a sorting unit (24) that is arranged downstream of the sensor unit (20). A control unit (22) controls said sorting unit (24) such that the sorting unit feeds a coin (12) to the first receiving container (26) or to the second receiving container (26) dependent on the ascertained denomination. The coin (12) remains in the conveying unit (18) receiving region (52) in which the coin was transported past the sensor unit (20) while the coin is transported from the sensor unit (20) to the sorting unit (24).