Coin Counting Apparatus Bad Coin Sorting Unit
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional coin counting apparatuses fail to reliably detect and sort coins based on material, leading to jamming issues and delayed discharge of bad coins, which complicates the process of giving accurate change.
Innovation Solution
A coin counting apparatus with a bad coin sorting unit that includes coin sorting holes, a guide portion, bad coin detection sensors, and a discharge mechanism to identify and separate bad coins, preventing jams and ensuring timely discharge, featuring a coin supply unit and transfer mechanism to move coins through the sorting process efficiently.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional coin counting apparatuses sort coins without detecting material, then the sorting process is simple, but reliability of detection and coin counting cannot be improved
Solution Approach 1:
The patent embeds multiple detection sensors within the coin transfer channel structure, nesting detection functionality inside the existing mechanical pathway. This allows material detection without adding separate external detection systems, thereby improving reliability while controlling complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces sensor detection as an intermediary mechanism between coin input and sorting output. The sensors detect coin material properties during transit, providing reliable detection data that mediates the sorting decision process without requiring complex post-detection analysis.
2Reliability
If bad coins are not detected and sorted separately, then the device structure is simpler, but jams occurring when coins are sorted and counted may not be suppressed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts bad coins from the main coin flow by detecting them through sensors during transfer and diverting them to a separate discharge path. This removal of problematic coins prevents jams in the main sorting and counting mechanisms while adding only minimal complexity through the detection and diversion subsystem.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs preliminary detection and separation of bad coins during the transfer phase, before coins enter the main sorting and counting processes. This preliminary action prevents potential jams before they occur, improving reliability without requiring complex real-time intervention mechanisms.
3Productivity
If coins are transferred at high speed without shock absorption, then productivity is improved, but coins may not be transferred smoothly along one sidewall
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates shock absorbers at strategic locations within the transfer channel to cushion the impact of high-speed coins before they reach critical transfer points. This beforehand cushioning allows high-speed operation while maintaining smooth coin flow along the sidewalls, resolving the contradiction between productivity and ease of operation.
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 apparatus effectively sorts and discharges bad coins, reducing errors and delays, thereby improving the reliability and efficiency of the coin counting process and ensuring smooth change dispensing.
Implementation Method 1
a coin transfer unit elastically pressed against the coin separation unit and configured to move the coin input from the coin supply unit to the coin guide portion and the coin sorting holes in a state in which the coins are pressed against the coin separation plate
Implementation Method 2
a bad coin discharge unit installed in the coin guide portion of the coin separation unit and configured to detect whether the coin moving to be sorted is a bad coin and sort the bad coin
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention includes a coin sorting part in which a plurality of coin sorting holes are formed in a circumferential direction and a coin separation plate on which a coin guide portion for guiding the coins to the coin sorting part is formed, a bad coin discharge unit installed in the coin guide portion of the coin separation unit and configured to detect whether the coin moving to be sorted is a bad coin and sort the bad coin, a coin supply unit configured to supply the coins to be sorted and moved along the coin guide portion, and a coin transfer unit elastically pressed against the coin separation unit and configured to move the coin input from the coin supply unit to the coin guide portion and the coin sorting holes in a state in which the coins are pressed against the coin separation plate.