Dynamic Coin Weight Adjustment for Mixed Denomination Return
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Solution Overview
Problem
Coin return mechanisms with rotating extractor disks face issues when dealing with mixed denominations, as the distribution and proportion of coins are unknown, leading to prolonged return times and potential machine downtime due to uneven coin distribution or stock depletion.
Innovation Solution
A dynamic process that adjusts the weight or priority of coins during extraction, favoring frequently detected coins while ensuring the total return value is met, by modifying weights based on identified coins and prioritizing abundant coin types to maintain balance and prevent premature depletion.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If a single return stores multiple coin types, then space and costs are reduced, but return times become excessively long due to limited storage area
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic weight adjustment for coin types based on their detection frequency. The weight of each coin type is modified according to whether it has been recently detected or not, creating a dynamic priority system that adapts to real-time coin distribution conditions in the hopper.
Solution Approach 2:
The system continuously monitors coin detection events and uses this feedback to adjust the weights of different coin types. When a coin type is detected, its weight is modified to reflect its current availability and frequency, creating a closed-loop control system that responds to actual hopper conditions.
2Measurement precision
If coins are identified before extraction, then extraction accuracy is improved, but the system cannot assure extraction of certain coin types due to unknown distribution
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary identification of coins before extraction, allowing the control system to plan the extraction sequence in advance. By identifying coins as they reach the sensor and adjusting weights beforehand, the system can ensure specific coin types are extracted when needed, despite unknown overall distribution.
3Speed
If coin distribution in hopper is non-homogenous, then extraction speed decreases, but the system lacks control over coin distribution patterns
Solution Approach 1:
The weight adjustment mechanism dynamically adapts to non-homogenous coin distributions by monitoring which coin types are detected and modifying their weights accordingly. This allows the system to respond to actual distribution patterns rather than assuming uniform distribution, maintaining extraction speed despite variability.
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to a coin return process applicable in coin returns in which at least two types i of coins of different values coexist in a single storage area. The process has the steps of:obtaining a total value to be returned;assigning different initial weights Weighti0 to each of the at least two types of coin, i<=2;identifying the coin to be extracted or recovered by the return prior to its extraction or recovery; Weightsi′ is equal to a pre-established value, in which case the coin is extracted. Then,modifying, after the identification of, Weighti′ the coin to be extracted or recovered by the return, the weight assigned to the identified coin, where the Weighti′ being the modified weight; and,checking if the modified weight, Weighti′ is equal to a pre-established value, in which case the coin is extracted.