Coin Separation Device with Counter-Rotating Brush Assembly
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing coin separation devices, such as coin centrifuges, are unreliable and prone to jamming, and require manual intervention, with limited universal applicability due to the need for size-specific openings to handle coins of varying diameters and thicknesses.
Innovation Solution
A device featuring a counter-rotating element and rollers that separate coins lying on top of each other and side by side, using forces to ensure reliable separation and handling of coins independently of their size, with a conveyor belt and counter-rotating element arranged to form a transport gap for effective separation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a coin centrifuge with a fixed opening is used to separate coins, then coins can be pushed outward by centrifugal force, but the separation is unreliable and multiple coins may pass through the opening simultaneously
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the fixed opening of traditional coin centrifuges with a dynamic brush pair assembly that actively engages with coins. The brushes rotate in the opposite direction to the conveyor belt, creating a dynamic separation mechanism that reliably prevents multiple coins from passing through simultaneously while maintaining simple device architecture
Solution Approach 2:
The patent substitutes the centrifugal force-based mechanical system with a friction-based brush system. The counter-rotating brushes create controlled friction forces that separate coins more reliably than centrifugal force alone, eliminating the unreliability of fixed opening centrifuges without increasing device complexity
2Adaptability or versatility
If the opening size in a coin centrifuge is adjusted to handle the largest coin, then the largest coin can pass through, but two of the smallest coins may pass through simultaneously
Solution Approach 1:
The brush pair assembly serves multiple functions simultaneously: it separates coins of varying sizes, prevents multiple coins from passing through, and works universally with different coin denominations. The flexible brush design adapts to different coin sizes while maintaining reliable separation, eliminating the need for size-specific opening adjustments
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the separation mechanism from a fixed geometric parameter (opening size) to a dynamic friction-based parameter (brush rotation speed and contact pressure). This allows the system to adapt to different coin sizes and thicknesses while maintaining consistent separation reliability across all coin types
3Device complexity
If a fixed opening in a coin centrifuge is used, then the structure is simple, but the opening can easily be blocked by jammed coins requiring manual intervention
Solution Approach 1:
The brush pair assembly automatically handles jammed coins through its counter-rotation mechanism. When coins become stuck, the opposing brush forces naturally work to dislodge and eject them without requiring manual intervention, making the system self-service capable while maintaining simple structure
Solution Approach 2:
The counter-rotating brushes create periodic contact forces with passing coins. This periodic action continuously checks for and ejects jammed coins, preventing blockages before they can stop the system, thereby eliminating the need for manual intervention while keeping the device structure simple
4Speed
If a conveyor belt transports coins linearly, then coins can be moved along a transport path, but coins lying beside each other cannot be separated
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces dynamic counter-rotating brushes that interact with coins on the moving conveyor belt. The brushes rotate opposite to the belt direction, creating dynamic friction forces that separate laterally adjacent coins while the conveyor maintains its linear transport function, achieving both speed and separation reliability
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
The device achieves reliable and universal separation of coins, preventing jamming and ensuring individual coins are transported without overlapping, allowing for efficient processing and sorting across various coin denominations.
Implementation Method 1
a conveyor belt, which is driven linearly in a transport direction and transports the coins to be separated along a transport path
Implementation Method 2
a counter-rotating element is provided for separating coins lying one above the other on the conveyor belt, this counter-rotating element being driven in such a way that a contact area of the counter-rotating element is moved counter to the transport direction of the conveyor belt for contact with the coins
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
AI summary
The device (100) has coin storage tank (102) for receiving a quantity of coins. The conveyor belt (104) transports to-be-separated coins (12,130,132) through a transport path along the transport direction (P1). The portion of the coins is arranged within coin storage tank. The mating element (110) is arranged for separating rests coins on the conveyor belt. The mating element is driven such that the contact portion of the mating element is contacted with the coins opposite to the transport direction.