Coin Validation Device Using Inversion Transport

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing coin handling machines face challenges in downsizing due to the requirement for a certain carrying length of belts, which complicates the implementation of a compact coin validation device capable of identifying coin authenticity and denominations.

Innovation Solution

A coin validation device that uses a carrier system with pulleys and belts to carry coins in a horizontally-fallen state, where authentic coins are delivered in one direction and counterfeit coins are carried in the opposite direction, allowing for a shortened carrying length and enabling downsizing of the machine.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Volume of moving object

If a conventional belt system is used to carry coins for authentication, then the coin carrying function is achieved, but the machine size becomes large due to the required belt carrying length

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemachine sizeVSAvoidbelt carrying length

Core Design Contradiction:

Volume of moving objectVSLength of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies inversion by carrying counterfeit coins in the opposite direction to authentic coins. The carrier system transports authenticated coins forward while returning with counterfeit coins in reverse direction. This bidirectional operation allows the carrier to serve dual purposes (transporting both authenticated and counterfeit coins) within the same physical infrastructure, effectively halving the required carrying length and enabling machine downsizing.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

2Volume of moving object

If the carrier length is shortened to downsize the machine, then the machine becomes compact, but the coin discrimination and handling accuracy may be affected

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemachine sizeVSAvoidcoin discrimination accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

Volume of moving objectVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The inversion principle allows the same shortened carrier to service both authentication and counterfeit coin transport functions. By returning counterfeit coins in the opposite direction, the system maximizes the utilization of the shortened carrier path, ensuring sufficient space for discrimination mechanisms while maintaining compact dimensions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent segments the coin handling process into distinct forward (authentication) and backward (counterfeit transport) phases. This temporal and directional segmentation allows the shortened carrier to accommodate both functions sequentially, providing adequate space for discrimination mechanisms during the forward phase while transporting counterfeit coins during the return phase, thus maintaining accuracy despite reduced overall length.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentUS10553063B2Coin validation device

Publication Date: 2020.02.04 FUJI ELECTRIC CO LTD

AI summary

A coin validation device that is implemented in a coin handling machine which stores therein a deposited coin on a denomination-by-denomination basis and which pays out stored coin in response to a disbursement instruction, the coin validation device, includes: a carrier that carries the deposited coin in a horizontally-fallen state in one direction; and a discriminator that identifies authenticity and denominations of the coin carried in the one direction by the carrier. Further, the carrier carries a coin, which is discriminated as a counterfeit coin by the discriminator, in another direction opposite to the one direction.