Coin Hopper Rotary Disk Conductor Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing coin hopper technologies face challenges in detecting remaining coin amounts efficiently, especially when the base is non-conductive and require frequent maintenance, and have issues with unstable electrical conduction and high costs due to multiple photoelectronic sensors.
Innovation Solution
A coin hopper design with a rotary disk having a conductor connected to a detecting terminal via an electrical universal connector, which includes a conical recessed portion and a spring-loaded connecting member, allowing reliable detection of coin amounts without requiring conductive bases and reducing maintenance needs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a pair of electrodes is fixed on the side wall of the storing bowl to detect remaining coin amount, then the detection function is provided, but the electrodes must be disposed separately by a predetermined distance and the empty signal is output when a relatively large amount of coins remains, shortening the coin replenishing interval
Solution Approach 1:
The detecting terminal is moved from the side wall to the bottom of the storing bowl, changing the spatial dimension of detection. This allows the electrode to be positioned directly below the rotary disk, enabling detection when coins are actually depleted rather than when a large amount remains, thus extending the coin replenishing interval while maintaining detection precision
2Productivity
If a flexible electrode and metallic base are used to detect coins through electrical conduction, then the empty signal can be output when remaining coin amount is small, but this cannot be applied when the base is made of non-conductive material such as resin
Solution Approach 1:
Coins serve as the intermediary medium that establishes electrical conduction between the detecting terminal at the bottom and the conductor on the rotary disk above. This mediator approach allows detection to work with non-conductive bases since the coins themselves provide the conductive path, eliminating the requirement for a conductive base material
3Measurement precision
If multiple photoelectronic sensors are disposed to cover the detection range, then the remaining coin amount can be detected, but the cost increases and periodic maintenance such as cleaning the light projecting and receiving face is required
Solution Approach 1:
The optical detection system (photoelectronic sensors requiring light projection and periodic cleaning) is replaced with an electrical conduction detection system. The detecting terminal at the bottom establishes electrical contact through coins to the conductor on the rotary disk, eliminating the need for multiple sensors and their associated maintenance while maintaining detection precision
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
Enables reliable detection of remaining coin amounts even with non-conductive bases and minimizes maintenance, extending the coin replenishing interval and maintaining stable electrical conduction.
Implementation Method 1
When a predetermined amount or more of coins C are stored in the storing bowl 104, the conductor 202 of the rotary disk 106 and the detecting terminal 206 are conducted via the conductive coins C to each other
Data Source
AI summary
A remaining coin amount detecting apparatus is provided for a coin hopper, disposed on a lower portion of a cylindrical storing bowl. The coin hopper dispenses coins one by one using a rotary disk fixed on a rotary shaft rotated by a driving apparatus. At least a part of a surface of the rotary disk includes a conductor, and the conductor is electrically connected to a detecting terminal disposed inside the storing bowl.