Coin Hopper Funnel Assembly for Jam-Free High Capacity
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional coin hoppers are limited in capacity, often causing motor malfunction or coin jams when trying to handle more coins, and increasing capacity is typically cost-prohibitive.
Innovation Solution
A coin hopper assembly with a bucket, funnel, and nozzle system that directs coins onto a payout disc with controlled flow, using angled surfaces and flexible plastic netting to prevent jams and allow for higher capacity without motor inhibition.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If conventional coin hoppers are configured to handle more coins, then coin capacity increases, but the motor cannot turn due to excessive weight on the payout disc
Solution Approach 1:
The funnel assembly pre-distributes coins onto the payout disc in a controlled manner before the motor needs to move them, preventing weight concentration that would inhibit motor rotation
Solution Approach 2:
The funnel assembly acts as an intermediary between the coin bin and payout disc, controlling the flow and distribution of coins to prevent excessive weight on the motor-driven components
2Quantity of substance
If conventional coin hoppers are configured to handle more coins, then coin capacity increases, but coin jams occur
Solution Approach 1:
The funnel assembly pre-organizes and distributes coins in a controlled flow pattern before they reach the payout disc, preventing jamming conditions from developing
Solution Approach 2:
The funnel assembly serves as a mediating structure that regulates coin flow between the bin and payout disc, ensuring reliable coin movement without jams
3Quantity of substance
If coin hoppers with increased coin capacity are designed, then coin capacity increases, but manufacturing cost becomes prohibitive
Solution Approach 1:
The system is divided into separate functional modules (coin bin, funnel assembly, payout disc) that can be manufactured independently using standard components, reducing overall manufacturing cost
Solution Approach 2:
The funnel assembly is a simple, low-cost intermediary component that enables increased capacity without requiring expensive redesign of the entire hopper system
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 handling of approximately 4,000 coins or more while preventing jams and allowing the motor to rotate freely, providing a cost-effective solution for increased capacity.
Implementation Method 1
the coin hopper has a payout disc rotatable by at least one motor. The funnel assembly is disposed between the bucket assembly and the coin hopper and directs the one or more coins from the bucket assembly to the payout disc with a controlled flow
Data Source
AI summary
Implementations described and claimed herein involve systems and methods for handling an increased capacity of coins. In one implementation, an increased capacity coin hopper assembly comprises a bucket assembly, a coin hopper, and a funnel assembly. The bucket assembly has an opening through which one or more coins are receivable, and the coin hopper has a payout disc rotatable by at least one motor. The funnel assembly is disposed between the bucket assembly and the coin hopper and directs the one or more coins from the bucket assembly to the payout disc with a controlled flow.