Coin Payout Device with Multi-Module Height Variation
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Coin payout devices in vending and gaming machines often require multiple payout cycles to dispense a sum of money, leading to inefficiencies and increased error susceptibility, with existing designs being prone to coin collisions and having limited service life.
Innovation Solution
A coin payout device with multiple independently controlled payout modules, each with its own drive and assigned coin tubes, allows simultaneous payout of coins at different heights, reducing collision risks and enabling faster payout of predetermined amounts by controlling multiple modules in a single cycle.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If multiple payout cycles are used to dispense coins one at a time, then the payout device can be simply constructed, but the payout time increases and productivity decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The payout device is divided into multiple independent payout modules, each capable of dispensing coins simultaneously. This segmentation allows parallel operation of multiple coin dispensing mechanisms, thereby increasing overall payout speed without requiring a single complex centralized mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple payout modules are combined into a single integrated device with common control and coin supply systems. The modules work together in parallel to dispense multiple coins simultaneously, achieving high-speed payout while maintaining manageable complexity through modular design.
2Reliability
If coins are dispensed from the same height level, then the device structure is simplified, but coin collisions occur and payout reliability decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The coin dispensing areas of different payout modules are positioned at different vertical heights. This three-dimensional arrangement separates the discharge paths of coins from different modules, preventing collisions while maintaining a compact overall structure. The height differentiation creates distinct discharge zones that do not interfere with each other.
3Duration of action of stationary object
If a single payout module is used, then the device is easier to control, but the service life decreases due to unbalanced load
Solution Approach 1:
The payout functionality is segmented across multiple independent modules, each handling a portion of the total payout load. This distribution prevents any single module from experiencing excessive wear, thereby extending the overall service life of the device while maintaining controlled complexity through modular independence.
Solution Approach 2:
The modular design allows individual payout modules to be independently maintained or replaced when worn, without affecting the entire system. This extends the service life of the overall device by enabling selective recovery and replacement of only the necessary components.
4Loss of time
If multiple coins are paid out simultaneously from the same coin tube, then the payout cycle time is reduced, but coin tube design becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of modifying a single coin tube to dispense multiple coins, the system segments the dispensing function across multiple payout modules, each with its own coin tube. This allows simultaneous payout from multiple tubes without requiring complex modifications to individual tube designs.
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple coin tubes are arranged at different heights and positions, with their respective payout modules dispensing coins into vertically separated zones. This spatial arrangement allows simultaneous operation of multiple tubes without interference, reducing the payout cycle duration while keeping individual tube designs relatively simple.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
AI summary
The method involves attaching two coin tubes (12, 14) to two payout modules (10, 20) for receiving coins of same predetermined rated value. A coin is selected from the attached coin tubes, and the payout modules are controlled in a payout cycle. The pay-out modules are provided with respective coin output regions, and are arranged in such a manner that the coin output regions of the two payout modules are provided with different heights. A level sensor (42) is attached to the coin tubes. An independent claim is also included for a coin payout device comprising pay-out modules.