Reconfigurable Coin Hopper Pockets for Multi-Denomination Dispensing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing coin hoppers are limited to dispensing a specific coin size and require substantial modifications to accommodate different coin sizes, which is a time-consuming and complicated process.
Innovation Solution
A coin hopper with a reconfigurable dispensing unit featuring a movable cover that selectively exposes or blocks coin pockets of different sizes, allowing it to dispense various coin denominations without replacing parts, and includes a transport plate with adjustable coin pockets and a spring-loaded singulator to ensure single coin dispensing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a coin hopper is configured with fixed-size pockets for a specific coin denomination, then it can reliably dispense that particular coin size, but it cannot accommodate different coin sizes without substantial modification and replacement of the dispensing unit
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by making the cover movable between different positions to selectively expose or block different coin pockets. The cover can be adjusted to align with various pocket configurations, allowing the same dispensing unit to adapt to different coin sizes dynamically without physical modification. This transforms a static, single-purpose device into a dynamic, multi-purpose system.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements universality by designing a single dispensing unit with multiple coin pockets of different sizes that can service multiple coin denominations. The cover mechanism enables one device to perform multiple functions by selectively exposing different pocket configurations, eliminating the need for separate dispensing units for each coin size and reducing overall system complexity.
2Adaptability or versatility
If smaller coins are dispensed using pockets configured for larger coins, then the hopper can accommodate smaller coins, but the smallest coin size is limited to about 60% of the pocket diameter to prevent accidental dispensing of two coins
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by providing different coin pockets with specifically tailored sizes and dimensions matched to particular coin denominations. Instead of using uniform oversized pockets for all coins, the system incorporates multiple pockets with locally optimized characteristics - some larger for bigger coins, some smaller for smaller coins - ensuring each pocket provides precise accommodation for its intended coin size without risking double-dispensing.
Solution Approach 2:
The movable cover enables dynamic selection of appropriate pocket sizes for different coin denominations. When dispensing smaller coins, the cover position exposes only the smaller, more precisely sized pockets, preventing the accidental dispensing of multiple coins while maintaining adaptability for different coin sizes.
3Ease of operation
If the coin hopper requires replacement of the entire dispensing unit to change coin sizes, then it maintains simplicity in operation, but it results in time-consuming and complicated rebuilding processes requiring skilled technicians
Solution Approach 1:
The movable cover transforms the configuration change process from a complex, time-consuming replacement operation into a simple, quick adjustment. The cover can be manually or automatically repositioned to expose different coin pockets, allowing operators to switch between coin denominations without requiring technical expertise or significant time investment.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the dispensing unit into independent functional elements - the cover and the multiple coin pockets - allowing the cover to be adjusted independently to change configuration. This segmentation enables flexible reconfiguration without replacing the entire dispensing unit, reducing both time and complexity requirements for changing coin sizes.
4Productivity
If multiple coins can be dispensed simultaneously from a single pocket, then the dispensing speed increases, but it increases the likelihood of coin jamming and requires more complex control mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by designing specific pocket geometries and arrangements that naturally guide coins to dispense one at a time. The pockets are positioned and dimensioned to create controlled flow paths, and the cover design incorporates features that ensure proper coin alignment and spacing, preventing jamming while maintaining efficient dispensing operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses periodic rotation of the transport mechanism to dispense coins in a controlled, sequential manner. Each rotation cycle presents one or more pockets to the dispensing position in a predetermined sequence, ensuring that coins are released at regular intervals rather than simultaneously, thereby preventing jamming while maintaining steady productivity.
Data Source
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AI summary
A coin hopper (100) is provided for dispensing coins. The coin hopper (100) comprises: a container (110), an exit channel (120), and a dispensing unit. The container (110) is for holding a plurality of coins and the exit channel (120) is for outputting a target number of coins from the plurality of coins. The dispensing unit includes a rotatable transport plate (130) located between the container (110) and the exit channel (120). The transport plate (130) comprises a plurality of coin pockets (132), each coin pocket (132) for receiving a dispense coin from the container (110), such that rotation of the transport plate (130) causes the dispense coin to be transported from the container (110) to the exit channel (120). The plurality of coin pockets (132) includes a first coin pocket configured to receive a dispense coin of a first size and a second coin pocket configured to receive a dispense coin of a second size. The dispensing unit further comprises a cover (140) adjustably connected to the transport plate (130) for selectively covering a portion of the transport plate (130). The cover (140) is movable between: a first configuration in which the first coin pocket is exposed to the container (110) and the second coin pocket is blocked from the container (110) by the cover (140), and a second configuration in which the first coin pocket is blocked from the container (110) by the cover (140) and the second coin pocket is exposed to the container (110). Therefore, the coin hopper (100) is selectively configurable for dispensing the target number of coins of the first size in the first configuration or the target number of coins of the second size in the second configuration.