Coin Processor Overflow Control via Outlet Redirection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing coin processors require a dedicated and complex structure for overflow control, which complicates the device design.

Innovation Solution

A coin processor that performs overflow control using existing structures by directing coins to either a first coin outlet for refund payment or a second coin outlet for change, preventing mixing and eliminating the need for a dedicated overflow control mechanism.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a dedicated coin recovery box and switching gate are provided for overflow control, then overflow control function is achieved, but device structure becomes complicated

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveoverflow control functionVSAvoiddevice structure

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies multi-functionality by enabling existing coin outlets (first coin outlet for refund payment, second coin outlet for change) to also serve overflow control functions. The control portion intelligently directs overflow coins to appropriate existing outlets based on their states, eliminating the need for dedicated overflow control structures while maintaining reliable overflow management.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent merges the overflow control function with existing refund payment and change dispensing functions. By combining these functions into existing outlets and control mechanisms, the system achieves overflow control without adding separate dedicated structures, thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining functional reliability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

2Device complexity

If coins for refund payment, change, and overflow control are discharged to the same outlet, then device structure is simplified, but coin mixing occurs requiring additional labor for separation

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedevice structureVSAvoidcoin management labor

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the coin discharge function by providing separate discharge paths for different coin types and purposes. The control portion directs overflow coins, refund payment coins, and change coins to different outlets or manages their discharge timing, preventing mixing and eliminating the need for manual separation while maintaining simple device structure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies dynamics by making the coin discharge system adaptable and controllable. The control portion dynamically manages which outlet receives which type of coins based on real-time conditions, enabling the system to prevent coin mixing without requiring fixed separate physical paths for all scenarios, thus balancing structural simplicity with operational ease.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentUS10964149B2Coin processor

Publication Date: 2021.03.30 FUJI ELECTRIC CO LTD

AI summary

This coin processor includes a sorting portion sorting coins, a coin container containing coins, a first coin outlet employed at least for discharging coins for refund payment, a second coin outlet employed at least for discharging coins for change, and a control portion discharging coins of a prescribed type reaching at least a prescribed number substantially filling up the coin container from the coin container to one of the first coin outlet and the second coin outlet when the number of coins of the prescribed type contained in the coin container reaches at least the prescribed number.