Adjustable Coin Transfer Pipe for Variable Cash Drawer Layouts

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing coin handling apparatuses lack flexibility in accommodating various cash drawer configurations and coin compartment positions, leading to inefficiencies and increased manufacturing costs due to the need for multiple configurations.

Innovation Solution

A coin handling apparatus featuring a jointed pipe system with a rigid elongate and curved element, allowing for adjustable angles and lengths, and telescopically movable parts, enabling flexible configuration to adapt to different cash drawer setups without requiring separate manufacturing lines.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a fixed configuration of coin handling apparatus is used, then manufacturing is simpler, but adaptability to different cash drawer configurations is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveadaptability to different cash drawer configurationsVSAvoidcomplexity of pipe configuration system
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The pipe is divided into multiple rigid sections that can be independently positioned and connected. Each section can be adjusted to different angles and positions, allowing the pipe to be configured for various cash drawer layouts while maintaining manufacturing simplicity through standardized components.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The pipe configuration transitions from a fixed static structure to a dynamic adjustable system. The rigid pipe sections can be repositioned and reconfigured to adapt to different cash drawer configurations, providing versatility without requiring completely different apparatus designs.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Adaptability or versatility

If multiple configurations of coin handling apparatus are manufactured to support different customer needs, then adaptability is improved, but manufacturing cost and complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesupport for different cash drawer configurationsVSAvoidmanufacturing cost and time
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

A single coin handling apparatus design incorporates a universal pipe system that can be configured to support multiple cash drawer types and configurations. This eliminates the need for manufacturers to produce separate apparatus versions for different customers, reducing manufacturing costs while maintaining adaptability.

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

Solution Approach 2:

The pipe configuration parameters (angle, position, orientation) can be changed to adapt to different cash drawer setups. By adjusting these parameters rather than manufacturing different physical structures, the same apparatus can serve multiple configurations, reducing manufacturing complexity and cost.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Adaptability or versatility

If a rigid fixed-angle pipe is used, then manufacturing precision is easier to achieve, but flexibility in positioning coin compartments is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveflexibility in coin compartment positioningVSAvoidprecision of pipe angle and position
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The pipe is segmented into rigid sections that can be independently positioned. Each section maintains its manufacturing precision while the overall configuration achieves flexibility through the arrangement of standardized sections rather than requiring precision in every possible angle.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The system transitions from fixed rigid angles to dynamically adjustable configurations. The rigid pipe sections maintain their structural integrity and manufacturing precision, while their relative positions and orientations can be adjusted to achieve the required flexibility for different coin compartment positions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentEP3682427B1A coin handling apparatus
Publication Date: 2024.04.24 SCAN COIN
  • EP3682427B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3682427B1 patent drawingFigure 2~3a
  • EP3682427B1 patent drawingFigure 3b~3c

AI summary

A coin handling apparatus comprises: a first coin position (105); a second coin position (205); and a pipe (400) for transporting coins from the first (105) to the second coin position (205). The pipe (400) is jointed and comprises: a rigid, elongate element (410) having a straight, elongate portion and a curved portion (412) at a first end of the straight, elongate portion. The pipe (400) further comprises a rigid, curved element (405). The curved portion (412) and the curved element (405) are connected to define a continuous passageway through the curved element (405) and the elongate element (410). The curved element (405), at least before mounting of the pipe (400) in the coin handling apparatus, is rotatable in relation to the elongate element (410), such that an angle between afirst opening (406) of the curved element (405) and a direction extending along the straight, elongate portion is variable.