Coin Handling Device with Movable Retention Unit for Temporary Storage
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing coin handling devices lack a buffer mechanism to temporarily store or return coins, leading to inefficiencies in managing coin deposits and returns, especially when the total value of coins does not match user expectations.
Innovation Solution
A coin handling device with an intermediate storage system and a retention unit that can be moved between supply, forwarding, and return positions, allowing coins to be either stored or returned, featuring guide elements for sorting and compartmentalized storage to manage different denominations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If coins are fed into the device for handling without a buffer mechanism, then the device structure remains simple, but the device cannot temporarily store or return coins, leading to inefficiencies in managing coin deposits and returns
Solution Approach 1:
The intermediate storage is integrated within the device structure, with the buffer store positioned between the input unit and coin store. The retention unit acts as a gate mechanism that can be positioned to either retain coins in the intermediate storage or allow them to pass to the coin store, creating a nested arrangement that adds functionality without significantly increasing overall device complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The intermediate storage serves as an intermediary buffer between the input unit and the coin store, allowing coins to be temporarily held and managed. This intermediary structure enables flexible coin management by providing a holding area where coins can be staged before being moved to the coin store or returned to the user
2Adaptability or versatility
If the retention unit and intermediate storage are fixed in position, then the device structure is simple, but the device cannot switch between storing coins and returning them to the return compartment
Solution Approach 1:
The retention unit is designed to be movable between different positions - a first position where it retains coins in the intermediate storage, and a second position where it allows coins to pass to the coin store. This dynamic positioning capability enables the device to switch between different operational modes (storing vs. returning coins) without requiring complex multiple mechanisms
Solution Approach 2:
The retention unit serves multiple functions: it acts as a gate to retain coins in the intermediate storage, it allows coins to pass to the coin store, and it facilitates the return of coins to the return compartment. This multi-functional design eliminates the need for separate mechanisms for each function, reducing overall device complexity while maintaining operational flexibility
3Adaptability or versatility
If the intermediate storage has a single compartment, then the device structure is simple, but the device cannot separately manage different denominations of coins
Solution Approach 1:
The intermediate storage is divided into multiple compartments, with each compartment designed to hold coins of a specific denomination. This segmentation allows the device to separately manage and organize different types of coins, improving adaptability for handling various denominations while maintaining a relatively simple storage structure
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a device (10) for handling coins (12), comprising a temporary store (14) for receiving, in a sorted manner, coins (12) that are supplied such that they are sorted, and comprising a retainer unit (18) for retaining the coins (12) that are received in said temporary store (14). When in a supply position in which the retainer unit (18) and the temporary store (14) have a first position relative to one another, said retainer unit (18) and temporary store (14) are arranged such that the retainer unit (18) occludes an issuing opening (36) of the temporary store (14); when in a relay position in which the retainer unit (18) and temporary store (14) have a second position relative to one another, said retainer unit (18) and temporary store (14) are arranged such that coins (12) stored in the temporary store (14) can be supplied to a coin store (32); and when in a return position in which the retainer unit (18) and the temporary store (14) have a third position relative to one another, said retainer unit (18) and temporary store (14) are arranged such that coins (12) stored in the temporary store (14) can be supplied to a return tray (34).