Coin Return Passage Shutter for Compact Temporary Storage
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing coin processing devices are large in size due to complex configurations, particularly the temporary storage units, which hinder their installation flexibility.
Innovation Solution
A coin processing device with a transport unit, a feeding unit, a returning passage, and a shutter that forms a reservoir unit, allowing for temporary storage of coins with a simple configuration by using a rotating shutter in the returning passage to manage coin flow.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a temporary storage unit is added to the coin processing device, then the device can temporarily store coins before input to the feeding unit, but the device size increases and installation flexibility decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the temporary storage function with the existing returning passage by using a shutter mechanism. The returning passage, which already exists for returning coins to the feeding unit, is transformed into a reservoir unit by adding a closable shutter. This allows the same passage to serve dual purposes: returning coins and temporarily storing them, thereby eliminating the need for a separate temporary storage unit and reducing overall device size.
Solution Approach 2:
The returning passage is designed to perform multiple functions: it serves as both a return path for coins and a temporary storage reservoir when the shutter is closed. This multi-functional design allows the system to achieve temporary storage capability without adding dedicated storage components, thus maintaining compact device dimensions while improving operational flexibility.
2Ease of operation
If a temporary storage unit is added to the coin processing device, then coins can be temporarily stored, but the device configuration becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the temporary storage function with the existing returning passage structure. By using the already-present passage and adding only a shutter mechanism, the system achieves storage capability without introducing complex additional components. The shutter integrates seamlessly with the passage, maintaining simple overall configuration while enabling temporary storage operations.
3Ease of operation
If the shutter is made rotatable with arc shape, then the shutter can be opened and closed smoothly, but the manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The shutter is designed with an arc-shaped cross-section that matches the curvature of the returning passage. This curved geometry allows the shutter to rotate smoothly along the passage wall, enabling easy opening and closing operations. The arc shape distributes mechanical stress evenly during rotation and ensures seamless movement, while the manufacturing complexity is offset by the functional benefits of smooth operation and integration with the passage geometry.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2A~2B
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AI summary
A coin processing device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure is provided with: a conveyance unit that conveys coins along a conveyance path; a delivery unit that delivers the coins to the conveyance path; a return passage that is a part of the conveyance path, and that returns the conveyed coins to the delivery unit; and an openable/closable shutter that is provided in the return passage. The return passage and the shutter in the closed state constitute a storage part for storing the coins.