Coin Sorting Machine Dynamic Path Rerouting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Coin sorting machines face interruptions due to full coin containers, which disrupt the sorting process and require manual intervention for container exchange.
Innovation Solution
The coin sorting machine features interchangeable compartments with sensor devices that detect container identifiers, allowing counting coins to be rerouted to a reject path when a container is full, enabling continuous operation without interruptions. This includes multiple reject paths and a sorting device that directs coins based on recognition and counting signals.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If a coin container is used to collect sorted coins, then the sorting process can be automated, but the operation is interrupted when the container becomes full
Solution Approach 1:
The receptacle is divided into multiple compartments, each capable of holding a coin container. This segmentation allows the system to switch between compartments when one becomes full, enabling continuous operation without interruptions. The patent describes: 'The receptacle (25) has at least two compartments (27, 29, 31) for inserts (38) designed to be repeatedly removable and/or interchangeable'
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the operational parameter of coin path routing based on container fullness status. When a container is full, the system dynamically switches the coin path from the output path to the reject path, allowing continuous sorting operation. The patent describes: 'the coin path for a counting coin being switched at least in sections, depending on the counting signal, from the output path to the at least one reject path'
2Device complexity
If manual intervention is required to exchange full containers, then device complexity is reduced, but productivity decreases due to interruptions
Solution Approach 1:
The system automatically detects when a container is full using sensor devices and autonomously switches the coin path to the reject path without requiring manual intervention. This self-service capability maintains high productivity while managing container fullness. The patent describes: 'at least one compartment having a sensor device (23) for detecting a container identifier (57)' and automatic path switching based on counting signals
3Productivity
If counting coins are routed through the output path to a full container, then the sorting process stops, but routing them through the reject path allows continuous operation
Solution Approach 1:
The coin path routing is made dynamic and adaptable based on container status. The system can switch the coin path between output path and reject path depending on whether the container is full or not, optimizing continuous operation. The patent describes: 'the coin path for a counting coin being switched at least in sections, depending on the counting signal, from the output path to the at least one reject path'
Solution Approach 2:
The reject path serves as an intermediary route for counting coins when the primary output path is blocked by a full container. This intermediary path allows coins to bypass the full container and continue through the sorting system. The patent describes using the reject path as an alternative route when containers are full
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a coin sorting machine (1) for sorting coins (2, 20), comprising a plurality of coin paths (11, 13) for transporting coins (2, 20) through the coin sorting machine (1), wherein the coin paths (11, 13) include at least one output path (11) for dispensing sorted counting coins (20) and at least one rejection path (13) beginning at a reject device (14) for dispensing rejects. The invention further relates to a method for sorting coins (2), wherein the coins (2, 20) travel from a sorting device (3) either along at least one output path (11) for dispensing sorted counting coins (20) or along at least one rejection path (13) for dispensing rejects.To accelerate coin sorting and reduce interruptions, the coin sorting machine (1) according to the invention is provided that a coin counting device (45) designed to output a counting signal (46) is arranged in the at least one output path (11), and that the coin path for a counting coin (20) is switched at least section by section from the output path (11) to the at least one rejection path (13) depending on the counting signal (46). The method according to the invention provides that, when a predetermined number of counting coins (20) have passed through the at least one output path (11), the counting coins (20) are directed by at least one rejection device (14) of the sorting device (3) to at least one rejection path (13).