Coin Pinger Device With Protective Caps

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current coin identification methods fail to efficiently and automatically determine the authenticity, denomination, date, and mint of coins, particularly for rare coins, due to limitations in existing technologies that are not suitable for all types of users and lack automation for high-speed, low-cost identification of specific coin attributes.

Innovation Solution

A device with protective caps over pinchers grips the coin tightly, allowing it to snap back and ping on a surface, producing a distinctive sound for authenticity testing, while protecting the coin from damage and scratches, suitable for various metals.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If inductive coin testing methods are used to determine denomination and authenticity, then coin discrimination capability is improved, but the ability to identify specific attributes like date and mint automatically is lost

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecoin authentication accuracyVSAvoidautomatic identification of coin attributes
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSExtent of automation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces manual visual inspection of coin attributes with an automated optical scanning system that captures images of coin surfaces, edges, and reeded portions. The image processing algorithm automatically identifies and records attributes such as date, mint mark, and other distinguishing features, eliminating the need for manual examination while maintaining high accuracy.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Measurement precision

If optical sensors are used to capture coin images for pattern matching, then discrimination among similar coins is improved, but automated identification of minted features like date and mint location is not achieved

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecoin discrimination capabilityVSAvoidspeed of coin attribute identification
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a continuous scanning process where the optical sensor systematically captures images of all coin surfaces, edges, and reeded portions in sequence. The image processing algorithm continuously analyzes these images to identify features such as date and mint mark, enabling high-speed automated identification without interrupting the coin examination process.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #20Continuity of useful action

3Measurement precision

If manual examination of coin attributes is performed, then identification accuracy is maintained, but time consumption increases significantly

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecoin attribute identification accuracyVSAvoidtime for examining large number of coins
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs an autonomous image processing algorithm that automatically analyzes captured coin images, identifies attributes such as date and mint mark, and records results without human intervention. The system serves itself by performing all examination tasks autonomously, eliminating the time-consuming manual inspection process while maintaining high identification accuracy through sophisticated pattern recognition.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

4Reliability

If conventional coin testing devices are used, then coin authentication is achieved, but user-friendliness and accessibility are reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecoin authentication reliabilityVSAvoiduser-friendliness of authentication device
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts the coin from any specialized holding device or fixture and places it directly on a flat scanning surface. This eliminates the need for users to learn complex manipulation techniques or use specialized tools. The coin is simply positioned on the scanner, and the system automatically captures images and performs authentication, making the process accessible to users of all skill levels while maintaining reliable results.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

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

The method provides a reliable and user-friendly way to differentiate genuine from counterfeit coins, including those made of precious metals, by producing distinct ping sounds based on material authenticity, enhancing the speed and accuracy of coin identification.

Implementation Method 1

a coin is placed in the device between two prongs that are covered with protective caps that grip the coin tightly in position for the duration of the ping test. The elasticity of the caps also allows for the coin to be pressed down on the coins edge away from the device and then released, resulting in the coin snapping back down and bouncing on a hammer causing the coin to vibrate and ping on contact

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectVibration: Vibration

Implementation Method 2

two prongs that are covered with protective caps made of silicone, fabric, soft plastic, or any material or combination of materials that's purpose is to grip the coin tightly in position

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectFriction: Friction

Data Source

PatentUS11423727B2Coin pinger device for alloy authentication
Publication Date: 2022.08.23 KAYYOD FARSHOD
  • US11423727B2 patent drawing
  • US11423727B2 patent drawing
  • US11423727B2 patent drawing

AI summary

An apparatus and method facilitating a coin ping test that involves placing a coin in between two prongs that are covered with caps made of silicone, fabric, soft plastic, and/or other material or combination of materials that pinch and grip the coin tightly in place for a ping test. The elasticity of the caps also allows for the coin to be pressed down on one edge and then released, resulting in the coin snapping back down onto a hammer or surface causing the coin to ping on contact.