Coin Recycler Ejection Mechanism Compact Lateral Arrangement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing coin sorting devices are bulky due to the linear arrangement of ejection elements and receptacles, which occupies a lot of space, especially in environments with limited space availability.
Innovation Solution
The ejection elements and receptacles are arranged next to each other in the transport direction, allowing for a compact structure with pairs of ejection elements and receptacles, reducing the length required for sorting and storage of multiple coin denominations, such as the EURO coin set, using lifting magnets with beveled anchors to direct coins into specific receptacles.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If ejection elements and receptacles are arranged one behind the other in the transport direction, then coins can be sorted into multiple receptacles, but the device takes up a lot of space
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from a linear arrangement of ejection elements and receptacles along the transport direction to a lateral arrangement where multiple ejection elements are positioned side-by-side. This dimensional change allows multiple receptacles to be accessed simultaneously without extending the device length in the transport direction, effectively utilizing the lateral dimension to resolve the space constraint.
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple ejection elements are combined in a lateral arrangement at the same height, allowing them to operate simultaneously from a single transport element. This merging of ejection functions at different lateral positions enables multi-receptacle sorting without requiring sequential positioning along the transport path, thereby reducing the overall device length.
2Length of stationary object
If multiple ejection elements are arranged next to each other at the same height, then the device structure becomes compact, but precise coin ejection to specific receptacles becomes more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
Each ejection element is equipped with individually adjustable parameters such as ejection force, timing, and angular orientation. This local customization allows precise control over the trajectory and destination of coins ejected from each element, ensuring accurate sorting despite the compact lateral arrangement. The beveled anchoring surfaces further enhance local precision by directing coins at specific angles into corresponding receptacles.
Solution Approach 2:
The ejection elements incorporate adjustable and dynamically controllable parameters including ejection force magnitude, timing sequences, and angular orientations. This dynamic adjustability enables precise control over coin trajectories, allowing the system to adapt to different coin types and receptacle positions while maintaining compact dimensions.
3Length of stationary object
If ejection elements are arranged laterally next to each other, then space is reduced, but the complexity of controlling multiple ejection positions increases
Solution Approach 1:
A single control unit is designed to manage all ejection elements through unified control logic, where each ejection element responds to denomination identification signals. This universal control approach allows the same control mechanism to handle multiple ejection positions by varying timing and activation sequences, rather than requiring separate control systems for each element, thereby managing complexity efficiently.
Solution Approach 2:
The control system automatically determines which ejection elements to activate based on the identified coin denomination, with pre-programmed associations between denominations and receptacle positions. This self-service approach eliminates the need for manual intervention or complex real-time decision-making, as the system autonomously routes coins to the correct receptacles based on embedded sorting logic.
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
This arrangement significantly reduces the space needed for coin sorting and storage, enabling efficient and compact handling of multiple coin denominations while ensuring accurate sorting and feeding into corresponding receptacles.
Implementation Method 1
The ejection elements preferably each comprise a lifting magnet, the armature of which is moved from a retracted position to an extended position in order to eject the coin, contacting the coin and thus pushing the coin off the transport element.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~3
AI summary
The device i.e. coin recycler (10) has a sorting unit (24) for selectively feeding coins (12) to two receptacles. The sorting unit includes a transport element (32) for transporting the coins in a transport direction (P2). The sorting unit includes two ejection elements for ejecting the coins from the two receptacles by the transport element, respectively, where the ejection elements are arranged adjacent to each other in the transport direction. The transport element includes circulating belts having multiple pins.