Compact Coin Dispenser Till Filling Distributor

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing coin deposit and dispensing apparatuses are too large and complex for smaller retail establishments, requiring a more compact yet efficient solution that can handle coin sorting, validation, and dispensing efficiently.

Innovation Solution

A compact coin deposit and dispensing apparatus with a cabinet housing, a control means, a cash processing module, and dispensers with a till filling distributor unit featuring a wide upper opening and narrow lower opening, guiding coins from dispensers to a portable receptacle, allowing for efficient sorting and dispensing of coins under control, and a kit of releasably mounted till filling distributors for flexible configuration.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If a large and advanced coin deposit and dispensing apparatus is used, then it can handle large volumes of coins efficiently, but it becomes too large and complex for smaller retail establishments

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecoin handling capacityVSAvoidapparatus size and complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The apparatus is divided into separate functional modules: a coin deposit apparatus with coin acceptance module, a coin dispensing apparatus with multiple dispensers, and a central control unit. Each module can operate semi-independently, allowing the system to be scaled or configured for different establishment sizes while maintaining efficient coin handling capabilities.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The coin deposit and dispensing apparatus are integrated into a single system that can perform multiple functions: accepting deposits, sorting coins by denomination, storing coins in multiple receptacles, and dispensing coins. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate equipment while maintaining high productivity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Device complexity

If a compact coin deposit and dispensing apparatus is designed, then it reduces size and cost for smaller establishments, but it may reduce coin handling efficiency

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveapparatus sizeVSAvoidcoin sorting and dispensing efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The coin dispensers are positioned within or adjacent to the coin deposit apparatus, with dispensers nested in the cabinet structure. The coin acceptance module feeds directly into the sorting and storage mechanism, which in turn feeds the dispensers. This nested arrangement minimizes the overall footprint while maintaining all necessary functional stages for efficient coin handling.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Solution Approach 2:

Coins are sorted by denomination and stored in separate receptacles within the dispensers during the deposit phase. This preliminary sorting action ensures that when dispensing is required, coins are already organized and ready for quick distribution, maintaining high efficiency despite the compact size.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

3Adaptability or versatility

If multiple dispensers with separate receptacles are used, then coin dispensing flexibility and accuracy are improved, but the apparatus becomes more complex

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecoin composition dispensing flexibilityVSAvoidnumber of dispensers and receptacles
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Multiple coin dispensers are combined within a single cabinet structure, sharing common components such as the control unit, power supply, and structural framework. Each dispenser has its own receptacle for storing coins of different denominations, but they are integrated into a unified system that reduces overall complexity compared to having completely separate dispensing machines.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Data Source

PatentEP2690604B1Coin deposit and dispensing apparatus
Publication Date: 2021.05.26 SCAN COIN
  • EP2690604B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2690604B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2690604B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The present invention provides a coin deposit and dispensing apparatus (100) having a till filling distributor unit comprising a set of a plurality of releasably mounted till filling distributors, each till filling distributor (153) comprising a wide upper opening (174), a narrow lower opening (176), and a pipe-like structure between these openings, where the till filling distributor unit is designed in such a way that in a dispensing operation a till filling distributor (153) is located below each dispenser (142) involved in the dispensing operation, whereby each till filling distributor (153) is adapted for receiving coins from a dispenser (142) located above said distributor into the wide upper opening (174) of the distributor and to guide the coins through said narrow lower opening (176) to a portable cash receptacle (160, 166).