Coin Hopper Retaining Bowl Alignment via Point-Symmetric Slopes
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional coin hoppers face issues with jamming and vibration due to misalignment of latches and spring forces, making attachment and detachment of the retaining bowl complex and potentially damaging.
Innovation Solution
The coin hopper features point-symmetric slopes on the base and a complementary inward slope on the retaining bowl, allowing automatic alignment and secure attachment without direct contact between the rotating disc and bowl, minimizing vibration and facilitating easy operation with a one-touch attachment device.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a spring-attached second latch is used to secure the retaining bowl, then the retaining bowl can be firmly fixed, but the attachment and detachment operation becomes complex and the spring force must be large which complicates the design
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the spring mechanism from the attachment system. Instead of using a spring-attached latch, the invention employs a simple latch member that is pressed by a pressing member to engage with the retaining bowl. This extraction of the spring component simplifies the overall attachment mechanism while maintaining reliable fixation through the pressing member's force application.
Solution Approach 2:
The attachment mechanism is divided into distinct functional components: a latch member for engagement, a pressing member for applying force, and a guide structure for positioning. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function independently, making the overall system simpler and more maintainable compared to a integrated spring-latch system.
2Stability of the object's composition
If the spring force is increased to prevent vibration of the retaining bowl, then the retaining bowl remains stable during operation, but the attachment and detachment becomes more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The pressing member is designed to be movable, allowing dynamic adjustment of the retaining bowl's position and the force applied to it. This movability enables the system to provide strong stabilization during operation while allowing easy attachment and detachment when needed, as the pressing member can be moved to release its hold on the retaining bowl.
Solution Approach 2:
The pressing member automatically adjusts to maintain stable contact with the retaining bowl during operation, providing self-regulating stabilization without requiring complex spring mechanisms. The design allows the attachment mechanism to serve itself by using the pressing member's position and force application to both stabilize and facilitate easy release.
3Manufacturing precision
If latches are poorly aligned in conventional designs, then the retaining bowl is not properly positioned, but achieving precise alignment complicates the attachment design
Solution Approach 1:
The guide structure is designed to preliminarily position the retaining bowl correctly before the latch member engages with it. This preliminary alignment action ensures that when attachment occurs, the latches are automatically and precisely aligned, eliminating the need for complex alignment mechanisms or manual adjustment procedures.
Solution Approach 2:
The guide structure acts as an intermediary between the base and the retaining bowl, facilitating proper alignment during the attachment process. This intermediary component ensures that the latch member and its corresponding latch on the retaining bowl are correctly positioned relative to each other, achieving precise alignment without complicating the overall design.
Data Source
AI summary
The coin hopper has a rotational disc that is attached to a rotational axis protruding from a base that incorporates a drive unit. A retaining bowl is attached to the base to allow coins to be dispensed one by one by a rotational disc located in a circular cavity defined by a lower part of the retaining bowl. Slopes are formed in the base around the rotational disc so as to be point-symmetric about a rotational axis. A complementary slope corresponding to the base slopes is formed in at least a part of the retaining bowl, and the retaining bowl is attached to the base while these slopes are in contact with each other to enable alignment.