Coin Sorting Apparatus Vertical Plane Switching
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing coin sorting devices require coins to be deflected from their vertical plane, which complicates the sorting process and reduces efficiency.
Innovation Solution
The device features switch elements with tracks and blocking sections that allow coins to remain in a vertical plane, using electromagnets to actuate switch elements and direct coins into specific tubes without deflection, and additional coin tubes are positioned in perpendicular planes to increase storage capacity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If coins are deflected from vertical plane using traditional switch elements, then coins can be directed to different tubes, but sorting complexity increases and efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from deflecting coins laterally (horizontal plane) to directing them vertically downward through tracks positioned at different heights. Coins fall vertically through gravity along tracks that are arranged in vertical levels, eliminating the need for lateral deflection mechanisms and simplifying the sorting operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces complex mechanical deflection mechanisms with a gravity-based vertical tracking system. Instead of using switch elements that physically deflect coins horizontally, the system uses vertically positioned tracks that guide coins downward through gravity, reducing mechanical complexity while maintaining sorting functionality.
2Quantity of substance
If more coin tubes are added to increase storage capacity, then more denominations can be stored, but device footprint increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent arranges coin tubes in vertical levels rather than spreading them out horizontally. Multiple coin tubes are positioned at different heights (first level, second level, third level), allowing the system to accommodate more denominations within a compact footprint by utilizing the vertical dimension for storage expansion.
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
This design enhances the sorting efficiency by keeping coins in a vertical plane, improving the sorting process, and increases storage capacity by accommodating more coin denominations without the need for deflection, thereby simplifying the coin sorting mechanism.
Implementation Method 1
switch elements with tracks and blocking sections that allow coins to remain in a vertical plane, using electromagnets to actuate switch elements and direct coins into specific tubes
Implementation Method 2
the axes of four coin tubes lie together in one plane... coins coming from the coin validator fall onto the fourth track of a so-called checkout gate... all coins fall into the checkout below
Data Source
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AI summary
Device for sorting coins in at least four coin tubes of a coin changer exiting a coin validation device, comprising a first diverting element having a first and second diverting section which, depending on the unactuated or actuated state of the first diverting element, deflect the coins in a plane to one side or the other of the first diverting element, comprising a third diverting section which, depending on its actuation, selectively directs coins on one side of the first diverting element towards a middle or outer tube, and a fourth diverting section which, depending on its actuation, selectively directs coins on the other side of the first diverting element towards a middle or outer tube, wherein the first diverting element is actuated by a first electromagnet and the third and fourth diverting sections are jointly actuated by a second electromagnet.The third and fourth switch sections each have a track above a middle coin tube, which is directed towards the outermost coin tube.