Disk Transfer Mechanism Using Segmented Pushers
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional disk transferring devices face limitations in extending transfer distance without increasing cost, weight, or size, and struggle with durability due to belt slipping, complex chain structures, and friction-related issues with screw-based systems, while also failing to efficiently handle coins with different diameters and thicknesses.
Innovation Solution
A disk transferring device that uses a disk guide path with guide surfaces and pushers making rotational movements to transfer disks without belts or screws, allowing for flexible transfer distance adjustment, improved durability, and handling of various coin sizes and thicknesses by altering the traveling angle and using a disk pushing mechanism with alternating rotational axes and gear wheels.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a belt is used for disk transfer, then the transfer mechanism is simple, but the transfer distance cannot be extended due to belt slipping and load limitations
Solution Approach 1:
The transfer mechanism is divided into multiple independent pusher units, each capable of pushing disks independently. This segmentation allows the transfer distance to be extended by adding more pusher units without increasing the load on a single belt, thereby resolving the contradiction between mechanism simplicity and transfer distance extension.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the friction-based belt drive system with a direct mechanical pusher system that uses gear wheels and rotational axes. This substitution eliminates belt slipping issues and allows for extended transfer distances while maintaining mechanical simplicity through standardized pusher unit design.
2Length of stationary object
If the number of disks on the belt is increased to extend transfer distance, then the transfer distance increases, but the load on the belt increases causing slipping
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of increasing the number of disks on a single belt, the patent segments the transfer function into multiple pusher units. Each pusher unit handles a limited number of disks, preventing excessive load on any single mechanical component while achieving extended transfer distance through the series arrangement of multiple units.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the friction-dependent belt system with a direct mechanical pusher system using gear wheels and rotational axes. This substitution provides positive mechanical engagement that prevents slipping, allowing reliable transfer of disks over extended distances without the belt slipping problem.
3Length of stationary object
If a chain structure is used for disk transfer, then the transfer distance can be extended, but the device size increases due to complex structure
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses segmented pusher units with standardized components arranged in series, achieving extended transfer distance without the complex interconnected structure of a chain system. Each pusher unit is a simple, independent module that can be easily assembled and maintained.
Solution Approach 2:
The pusher units are designed as universal, multi-functional components that can handle various disk types and are arranged in series to achieve any required transfer distance. This universal design avoids the need for complex, custom-designed chain structures while maintaining flexibility and extendability.
4Productivity
If a screw mechanism is used for disk transfer, then disks can be transferred, but durability decreases due to heat and abrasion from friction
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the screw mechanism with a direct pusher system using gear wheels and rotational axes. This substitution eliminates the sliding friction between the screw and disks, replacing it with rolling contact in the gear wheels, thereby significantly reducing heat and abrasion while maintaining effective disk transfer capability.
5Length of stationary object
If the rotating shaft length is increased to extend transfer distance, then transfer distance increases, but twist occurs making normal transfer impossible
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the transfer function into multiple short rotating shafts, each with a pusher unit, arranged in series. This segmentation avoids the twist problem associated with long rotating shafts while achieving extended transfer distance through the cumulative effect of multiple short segments working together.
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
Enables extended transfer distance, suppressed costs, improved durability, and efficient transfer of coins with different diameters and thicknesses without leaving disks behind, enhancing process efficiency and reducing the need for collection.
Implementation Method 1
adjacent ones of the gear wheels engage with each other
Data Source
AI summary
A disk transferring device transferring disks delivered one by one from an disk reception opening to an disk ejection opening includes: a disk guide path having left and right guide surfaces that guide a peripheral surface of each of the disks and front and back guide surfaces that guide an front surface and a back surface of the disk, the disk guide path extending from the disk reception opening toward the disk ejection opening; and a plurality of disk pushers protruding into the disk guide path and pushing the disks by making a rotational movement about a plurality of rotational axis lines approximately at a right angle with respect to the front and back guide surfaces.