Deposit Lock Spring Segmentation for Coin Ejection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing deposit locks with two coin slots for different diameters often fail to reliably eject coins with a small diameter inserted into the slot meant for larger coins, leading to difficulties in removal due to insufficient tension from the double torsion spring, causing coins to become stuck or slide through without being caught.
Innovation Solution
A second spring element, preferably a helical compression spring, is introduced in the first opening to provide additional tension for ejecting coins that are too small, ensuring they can be gripped and removed, while the double torsion spring supports coins of appropriate size, with separate paths for each spring to prevent interference.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a double torsion spring is used to eject deposit coins from both openings, then the ejection function works for coins of appropriate size, but coins with small diameter inserted into the first opening are not reliably ejected and may become stuck or slide through
Solution Approach 1:
The ejection mechanism is segmented into two independent spring elements: a double torsion spring for the second opening and a helical compression spring for the first opening. Each spring is optimized for its specific opening and coin type, allowing the first opening to reliably eject small diameter coins while the second opening handles larger coins, eliminating the interference problem.
Solution Approach 2:
Different spring elements with different mechanical properties are assigned to different openings based on local requirements. The helical compression spring in the first opening provides linear ejection force suitable for small coins, while the double torsion spring in the second opening provides rotational ejection force suitable for larger coins. This local optimization ensures reliable ejection for each coin type without interference.
2Adaptability or versatility
If two openings for different coin diameters are provided, then customers have higher probability of having a suitable coin, but the mechanism complexity increases with separate verification for each opening
Solution Approach 1:
The double torsion spring's central bracket and end brackets serve multiple functions: they verify coin diameter for the second opening, provide ejection force for the second opening, and simultaneously verify coin diameter for the first opening by positioning the end brackets to engage with coins of appropriate size. This multi-functionality reduces the need for completely separate verification mechanisms for each opening.
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
The additional spring element ensures reliable ejection and removal of coins with small diameters, preventing them from becoming stuck and allowing easy retrieval, while maintaining functionality for coins of standard size without hindering the double torsion spring's operation.
Implementation Method 1
a spring element, which was tensioned by the insertion of the deposit coin and whose restoring force causes a kind of ejection when the deposit coin is released
Implementation Method 2
a spring element in the form of a double torsion spring that engages in both openings. The double torsion spring is arranged transversely to the insertion direction of the deposit coins and has a central bracket connecting the two coiled sections
Data Source
Figure 1~2
AI summary
The deposit lock (1) has a deposit lock housing, which has two slit-shaped openings (2,3) for receiving deposit coins and a key hole for receiving a key. A spring element is engaged in the two openings and is tensioned by the insertion of a suitable deposit coin in one of the openings. Another spring element is arranged in the former opening, which is tensioned by the insertion of a deposit coin that is small for the former opening and whose spring tension supports the ejection of the deposit coin that is small for the former opening.