Coin Recycling Device with Dual Manifold Sorting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing coin recycling devices sort coins by size rather than value, making it difficult to reorganize and dispense them in denomination order for efficient use in cash till drawers or coin change cups.
Innovation Solution
A coin recycling device with a housing, coin sorter, and multiple manifolds and hoppers that sort and store coins by denomination, allowing for dispensing in value order into coin receivers like cash till drawers or coin change cups.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If coins are sorted by size in a traditional coin sorter, then coins can be separated into different denominations, but the coins cannot be dispensed in denomination order for efficient use in cash till drawers
Solution Approach 1:
The device segments the coin sorting process into two independent stages: first sorting by size using traditional methods, then reorganizing by denomination using a second manifold system. Each manifold handles a specific sorting criterion, allowing coins to be first separated into denomination groups and then arranged in value order for dispensing.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary reorganization system between the initial size-based sorting and the final dispensing. This intermediary manifold receives coins sorted by size and redistributes them into denomination-based pathways, acting as a mediator that transforms the sorting criterion without requiring complete redesign of the original sorting mechanism.
2Productivity
If a traditional coin sorter is used, then coins are sorted based on size, but additional device complexity is required to reorganize them by denomination
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges two sorting functions into a single integrated device: the original size-based sorting mechanism and the new denomination-based reorganization system. By combining these functions in one device with shared components like the housing and coin pathways, the patent avoids the complexity of using two separate devices while achieving both sorting capabilities.
Solution Approach 2:
The manifold system is designed with universal pathways that can handle multiple coin denominations and sorting criteria. The same physical infrastructure (manifolds, hoppers, pathways) serves dual purposes: initially receiving size-sorted coins and then redistributing them by denomination, making the system multi-functional without requiring separate dedicated components for each function.
3Device complexity
If coins are dispensed directly from a size-sorted sorter, then the sorting process is simple, but the coins must be manually reorganized for cash till drawer use
Solution Approach 1:
The device performs preliminary denomination-based organization before the coins reach the dispensing stage. By pre-arranging coins in denomination order through the second manifold system, the patent eliminates the need for manual reorganization at the point of use, saving time for operators while keeping the sorting mechanism itself relatively simple.
Solution Approach 2:
The system provides self-service by automatically reorganizing coins from size-sorted groups into denomination-based sequences without human intervention. The manifold and hopper system autonomously performs the reorganization task that would otherwise require manual effort, allowing operators to simply dispense pre-organized coins into cash till drawers.
Data Source
AI summary
A coin recycling device for receiving a batch of mixed denomination coins, for sorting the mixed denomination coins into a plurality of sorted denomination coins and for dispensing the sorted denomination coins in coin denomination order includes a coin sorter for receiving and sorting the batch of mixed denomination coins. A first manifold includes a plurality of coin paths for receiving the sorted denomination coins from the coin sorter. A plurality of coin hoppers store the sorted denomination coins which are received from the first manifold. Each of the coin hoppers store one sorted denomination coin and is operable to dispense coins stored therein. A second manifold receives coins from the coin hoppers and directs the coins in coin denomination order for subsequent dispensing into a coin receiver having a plurality of coin storage locations. The coin storage locations receive coins via the second manifold, such that the coins from the hopper are dispensed to the coin storage locations in coin denomination order.