Coin Singulation via Gravity-Assisted Flap Diversion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing coin separating devices are inefficient in reliably collecting and sorting coins conveyed on a conveying device, as they often require complex mechanisms and are sensitive to foreign objects, making them prone to errors in sorting and processing.
Innovation Solution
A coin separating device employing a vertical separating principle with adjustable flap devices on the collecting channel, controlled by recognition systems, to divert coins into specific collection containers, and an acceleration device to ensure recognized coins are conveyed to the collecting device, while foreign objects are returned.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If complex mechanisms are used to collect and sort coins, then sorting reliability may improve, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The collecting channel is divided into multiple collecting lanes, with each lane dedicated to collecting a specific type of coin. This segmentation allows for simplified sorting mechanisms where coins are automatically directed to the appropriate lane based on their type, reducing the need for complex sorting mechanisms while maintaining high sorting reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
A camera system serves as an intermediary between the coin conveying mechanism and the collecting channels. The camera identifies coin types and triggers the appropriate sorting action, eliminating the need for complex mechanical sorting mechanisms while ensuring accurate coin classification.
2Measurement precision
If recognition systems are used to identify coins, then sorting accuracy improves, but sensitivity to foreign objects increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary identification of objects using a camera before they reach the collecting channels. Recognized coins are pre-selected and directed to appropriate collecting lanes, while foreign objects are identified early and excluded from the sorting process, preventing errors in sorting and processing.
Solution Approach 2:
The recognition system extracts only the relevant information about coins (type, denomination) needed for sorting, while filtering out information about foreign objects. This selective extraction allows the system to maintain high accuracy for coin identification while being less sensitive to the presence of foreign objects.
3Productivity
If vertical separating principle is used, then coin conveying efficiency improves, but complexity in collecting and sorting increases
Solution Approach 1:
The vertical conveying path is combined with horizontally segmented collecting lanes. Coins are conveyed vertically for efficiency, then automatically directed to specific horizontal lanes based on their type. This segmentation simplifies the collecting and sorting process by organizing coins spatially before they reach the collection points.
Solution Approach 2:
A control system acts as an intermediary between the vertical conveying mechanism and the collecting channels. It receives information from the camera recognition system and automatically directs coins to the appropriate lanes, eliminating the need for complex mechanical sorting mechanisms at the collection point.
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 solution enables simple, reliable, and accurate collection and sorting of coins by using adjustable flap devices and an acceleration mechanism, ensuring only recognized coins reach the coin collecting device, while foreign objects are properly handled.
Implementation Method 1
a conveying device (2) for conveying coins (M) in a conveying direction (F) with a directional vector component counter to the effective direction of gravity (G)
Implementation Method 2
a coin (M) conveyed into the collecting channel (30) moves in a falling direction (R) in the collecting channel (30) due to the effect of gravity (G)
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
A coin singulation device (1) comprises a conveying unit (2) for conveying coins (M, M1-M3) in a conveying direction (F) and a coin collecting unit (3) which has a collecting channel (30) for collecting coins (M, M1-M3) conveyed by the conveying unit (2). The collecting channel (30) is arranged and configured such that a coin (M, M1-M3) conveyed into the collecting channel (30) moves in a downward direction (G) within the collecting channel (30) due to the effect of gravity. Additionally, at least one adjustable flap device (32-39) is provided on the collecting channel (30), to which a collection container (321-391) is assigned and which is configured to divert a coin (M, M1-M3) from the collecting channel (30) to the assigned collection container (321-391). In this way, a coin singulation device is created that enables the simple and reliable collection and sorting of coins conveyed by a conveyor system.