ADA Compliant Coin Recycler With Elevator Assembly
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing coin recyclers are not ADA compliant due to their reliance on gravity, which restricts the vertical height and limits the space for the coin input area and dispensing mechanism, failing to meet the accessibility requirements of the American with Disabilities Act.
Innovation Solution
An ADA compliant coin recycler device with a coin elevator assembly that elevates sorted coins to an accessible height, allowing for user-friendly access, and a software-controlled system guiding users through operations, including the use of a conveyor mechanism and coin elevator for dispensing coins without the need for a cash till drawer.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If gravity is used to move coins through the recycler, then the device structure is simplified, but the vertical height becomes insufficient to meet ADA accessibility requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from a purely vertical gravity-fed coin path to a multi-dimensional system that includes horizontal conveyor belts and vertical elevator mechanisms. This dimensional change allows the coin to travel through a more complex spatial path that achieves the required vertical displacement while accommodating ADA height requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces intermediary devices (conveyor belts and elevators) between the coin input and dispensing areas. These intermediaries actively transport coins through the system, replacing passive gravity-based movement and enabling precise control over coin position and timing while meeting accessibility standards.
2Ease of operation
If the coin input area is positioned at maximum ADA height (48 inches), then accessibility is improved, but there is insufficient vertical drop for gravity-fed coin sorting and dispensing
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses horizontal conveyor belts to bridge the horizontal distance between input and dispensing areas, freeing the vertical dimension for the required coin sorting and dispensing operations. This separation of horizontal and vertical transport functions allows both ADA compliance and adequate vertical drop distance.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the passive gravity-based mechanical system with an active electromechanical system using motors, conveyors, and elevators. This substitution provides precise control over coin movement and timing, enabling the system to meet both height requirements and operational requirements.
3Ease of operation
If coin hoppers are positioned to dispense coins at low height (15 inches minimum), then accessibility is improved, but the overall device height becomes too large for practical installation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent reconfigures the coin dispensing architecture from a vertical stack to a distributed horizontal arrangement using conveyor belts. Coin hoppers can be positioned at various heights within the device, and coins are transported horizontally to the dispensing point at the required low height, reducing the overall device footprint.
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
Enables the sorting, storage, and dispensing of mixed denomination coins while ensuring compliance with ADA accessibility standards, providing an accessible and user-friendly interface for users, especially those with disabilities.
Implementation Method 1
a coin elevator assembly which receives coins from the sorting mechanism and elevates the coins to an accessible height
Implementation Method 2
coins from the second manifold fall onto a conveyor mechanism, which moves the coins sideways from under the second manifold to a chute on the side of the coin recycler
Implementation Method 3
These devices rely upon gravity to move the coins into the coin sorter, through the first manifold and into the segregated coin hoppers
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates generally to an ADA compliant coin recycler device that is capable of sorting a mixed denomination of coins, storing the coins and dispensing the desired amount of coins in the desired denomination. Additionally, the ADA compliant coin recycler device of the present invention also comprises a coin elevator assembly attached to the outside of the housing, which receives coins from the coin recycler and elevates the coins to an accessible height above the ADA's Standards for Accessible Design minimum reach requirement.