Elastic Conveying Element for Coin Separation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing coin separation devices, such as coin centrifuges, unreliable in separating coins due to simultaneous transportation of multiple coins and frequent jamming issues, requiring manual intervention and adaptation for different coin sizes.
Innovation Solution
A device with a rotatable base disc and delimiting elements forming an open receiving area, featuring an elastic conveying element and a driver disc arranged eccentrically to a circular sorting track, ensuring reliable separation by clamping the lowest layer of coins and conveying them along the track, preventing double transport and accommodating a range of coin sizes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a stationary opening in the delimiting element is used for coin passage, then the device structure is simple, but the separation reliability deteriorates due to simultaneous transport of multiple coins and frequent jamming
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the stationary opening with a dynamic elastic conveying element that can adapt its shape and position. This element moves radially outward during coin transport and returns to its initial position, dynamically controlling coin passage to ensure only one coin passes at a time, thereby resolving the contradiction between structural simplicity and separation reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The elastic conveying element changes its physical state (position and shape) during operation. It moves from an initial retracted position to an extended position during coin transport, and the elastic material deforms to clamp and release coins. These parameter changes enable reliable single-coin transport while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure
2Adaptability or versatility
If the opening size is adapted to the largest coin, then the largest coin can pass through, but multiple smallest coins can simultaneously fit through causing unreliable separation
Solution Approach 1:
The elastic conveying element dynamically adjusts its effective opening size during operation. When extended, it creates a passage large enough for the largest coin. When retracted or deforming during clamping, it prevents multiple smaller coins from passing simultaneously. This dynamic adjustment resolves the contradiction between handling various coin sizes and ensuring reliable separation
Solution Approach 2:
The elastic conveying element acts as an intermediary between the delimiting element and the sorting track. It mediates the coin passage by controlling the effective opening size through its elastic deformation and radial movement, ensuring that only one coin of any size passes at a time, thus resolving the size adaptability versus separation reliability contradiction
3Productivity
If multiple coins are transported simultaneously through the opening, then the processing speed increases, but the minimum distance between coins required for further processing is not guaranteed
Solution Approach 1:
The elastic conveying element moves radially outward during coin transport, creating a controlled single-coin passage. This dynamic movement ensures that even at high speeds, only one coin is transported at a time through the opening, maintaining precise spacing between coins while achieving high processing throughput through continuous operation
Solution Approach 2:
The elastic conveying element operates continuously in a cycle: extending to transport a coin, then returning to its initial position to prepare for the next coin. This continuous cyclic operation maintains high productivity while ensuring that each coin is separated and spaced correctly, resolving the contradiction between processing speed and coin spacing precision
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
Achieves efficient and reliable separation of coins with minimal errors, eliminating the need for a stationary separator and allowing for a broad range of coin sizes, ensuring consistent processing without jamming.
Implementation Method 1
an elastic conveying element (14) is provided in a transfer region (38)... coins of the lowest layer of the quantity of coins conveyed by the driver disc (36) are pushed underneath the conveying element (14) and are clamped thereat
Implementation Method 2
By means of the centrifugal force acting on the coins upon rotation of the disc, the coins are conveyed outward
Data Source
AI summary
The described device for separating coins comprises a rotatable base disc (32), a delimiting element (34) and a driver disc (36). A circular ring-shaped sorting track (12) is arranged eccentrically relative to the base disc (32). The driver disc (36) and a circularly arranged conveying element (14) interact in a transfer region (38) such that the lowest layer of coins among a quantity of coins conveyed by the driver disc (36) are pushed underneath the conveying element (14), clamped thereat and conveyed further.