Disk-Type Coin Processing Unit with Automated Diverter Plate
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current coin processing systems require significant manpower and time for organizing, counting, and authenticating large amounts of currency, and incur additional costs due to reliance on armored carriers for coin retrieval and processing, leading to inefficiencies and increased expenses.
Innovation Solution
A self-service coin processing and recycling machine that uses a disk-type coin processing unit to sort and authenticate coins, allowing for the distribution of sorted coins into handheld totes or bins, reducing the need for armored carrier services by enabling on-site storage and retrieval of processed coins, and utilizing automated coin chutes to direct coins to either recycling or depositing receptacles.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If manual counting and organization of currency is performed, then authentication and recording can be completed, but significant manpower and time are required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical counting and authentication with an automated coin processing machine that uses sensors, motors, and control systems to automatically sort, count, and authenticate coins by denomination, eliminating the need for manual labor while maintaining accuracy
Solution Approach 2:
The coin processing machine performs self-service by automatically receiving bulk coins, counting them by denomination using internal sensors and mechanisms, sorting them into appropriate receptacles, and generating payment tickets or crediting accounts without requiring human intervention in the counting process
2Productivity
If disk-type coin sorters are used to automatically sort coins by denomination, then sorting efficiency is improved, but the system cannot discriminate between valid and invalid coins
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the disk-type sorting mechanism with additional validation sensors and authentication systems into a single integrated coin processing machine that can simultaneously sort coins by denomination and detect invalid coins, combining the speed of mechanical sorting with the precision of sensor-based validation
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces sensor systems and control mechanisms as intermediaries between the coin input and sorting output, allowing the machine to detect coin characteristics, validate authenticity, and make intelligent routing decisions about which coins to process and which to reject
3Productivity
If coins are processed through traditional systems, then currency can be counted, but additional costs are incurred due to armored carrier services
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements self-service coin processing where businesses can process their own coins using the automated machine, eliminating the need to hire armored carriers for coin collection and processing, thereby reducing operational costs while maintaining high processing productivity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the coin processing function from external armored carrier services and brings it into the business premises through an on-site automated coin processing machine, removing the dependency on external services and associated costs
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 system reduces carbon footprint and operating costs by minimizing the need for cardboard and paper products, eliminates fees associated with armored carrier services, and allows for the sharing of recycled coins among locations, providing an additional revenue stream through the sale of recycled coins.
Implementation Method 1
As the disk is rotated, the coins deposited on the top surface thereof tend to slide outwardly due to centrifugal force
Implementation Method 2
A mixed batch of coins may be progressively deposited onto the top surface of the rotatable disk
Data Source
AI summary
Currency processing systems, coin processing machines, coin sorting and recycling assemblies, and methods of making and methods of using the same are presented herein. A currency processing system is disclosed which includes a housing with a coin input area for receiving coins and coin receptacles for stowing processed coins. A disk-type coin processing unit includes a rotatable disk for imparting motion to input coins, and a sorting head for separating and discharging coins from exit stations. An automated coin chute receives coins from one of the exit stations. The automated coin chute includes a movable diverter plate that selectively transitions between a first position, whereby coins received from the exit station of the disk-type coin processing unit are redirected through a coin-recycling output passage to a coin-recycling receptacle, and a second position, whereby coins received from the exit station are redirected through a coin-depositing output passage to a coin-depositing receptacle.