Compact Coin Processing Apparatus with Segmented Conveyance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional coin processing apparatuses are bulky due to the use of multiple belts endlessly stretched between rollers, making them difficult to downsize while maintaining functionality for authenticating and sorting coins.
Innovation Solution
A compact coin processing apparatus design featuring a conveyance unit that conveys coins upwards along a predetermined path for authenticity and denomination checking, with a sorting mechanism that feeds false coins back for re-examination and corrects sorting errors, utilizing a modular structure with holding sections and a coin output suspending unit for efficient operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If multiple belts endlessly stretched between rollers are used for coin conveyance, then coin authentication and sorting functionality is maintained, but the apparatus size becomes bulky and difficult to downsize
Solution Approach 1:
The endless belt conveyance system is divided into multiple separate belts, each responsible for conveying coins in a specific direction (upward, downward, horizontal). This segmentation allows each belt to be optimized for its specific function and reduces the overall complexity of the conveyance mechanism, enabling compact apparatus design while maintaining complete coin authentication and sorting functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes three-dimensional spatial arrangement of conveyance paths, with belts positioned at different heights and angles. The upward and downward conveyance belts are arranged vertically, while horizontal belts connect them, creating a multi-level conveyance system that reduces the apparatus footprint and enables compact design without sacrificing functional complexity.
2Measurement precision
If coins are conveyed through multiple belts for authentication and sorting, then accurate coin discrimination is achieved, but the conveyance path length increases making downsizing difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs curved conveyance paths with arcs and rounded transitions instead of straight-line belts. The upward and downward conveyance belts follow curved trajectories, and coins are transferred along arc-shaped sections. This curvature allows the conveyance path to fit within a more compact spatial envelope while maintaining the necessary path length for thorough authentication and sorting operations.
Data Source
AI summary
A coin processing apparatus houses received coins for each denomination of the coins and dispenses the housed coins in accordance with a coin output instruction. The coin processing apparatus includes: a conveyance unit that conveys the coins that are received and stored in an input section upwards one by one along a predetermined conveyance path, allows authenticity and a denomination of each coin to be checked by a checking section while the coin is conveyed, sorts the coins checked to be true coins by denomination, and dispenses the coin checked to be a false coin; and a coin output suspending unit that receives the coin dispensed from the conveyance unit, outputs the received coin from a dispensing outlet when a coin output command is given, and feeds the received coin to the input section when a feeding command is given.