Electronic Coin Slider Actuation via Card Reader and Servo
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional coin slider devices require physical coins, leading to frequent servicing, vandalism, and fraudulent use, and are inconvenient in a cash-free society where users lack coins or tokens.
Innovation Solution
An electronically actuated coin slider device that mimics conventional coin sliders, using a card reader to verify user accounts and debit transactions, actuating a servo motor to unlatch the slide bar for operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If physical coins are used to actuate the coin slider, then the device can be operated with simple mechanical coins, but the device requires frequent servicing to remove coins and is prone to vandalism and fraudulent use
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical coin-based actuation system with an electronic system. A card reader reads a magnetic stripe or RFID card to provide a magnetic field that actuates the slide bar, eliminating the need for physical coins. This substitution resolves the contradiction by maintaining ease of operation (users simply insert a card) while improving security (electronic verification prevents fraud and eliminates coin collection issues).
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses a magnetic stripe or RFID card as an electronic copy representation of the traditional coin. Instead of using physical metal coins that can be stolen or forged, the system uses magnetic field representations that can be verified electronically. This copying approach maintains the familiar coin slider operation while eliminating the physical coin problems of vandalism and fraud.
2Ease of operation
If physical coins are required for operation, then the device can be activated through simple coin insertion, but users in a cash-free society must obtain change or tokens, creating inconvenience
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the fundamental parameter of the actuation medium from physical coins to electronic cards. The card reader system accepts magnetic stripe cards or RFID cards, which are standard forms of electronic payment in modern society. This parameter change maintains the simplicity of activation (insert card, press button) while making the device adaptable to cash-free societies where electronic payment is the norm.
3Productivity
If a card reader system is implemented, then coin collection and servicing are eliminated, but the device complexity increases with electronic components
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the coin collection and physical servicing functions from the device by replacing them with an electronic card-reading system. The magnetic field actuation eliminates the need for a coin box, coin mechanism, and manual coin removal. While electronic components are added, the extraction of the complex mechanical coin handling system results in net simplification of the overall device architecture and operation.
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
Provides secure and convenient actuation of machines without the need for coins, reducing servicing and fraud, and accommodating a cash-free society by allowing card-based operation.
Implementation Method 1
A card reader, such as a magnetic stripe or RFID reader, is used to read a card provided by a user
Implementation Method 2
control circuitry actuates a servo motor operable to unlatch hooks securing the slide bar
Data Source
AI summary
An electronically actuated coin slider provides an appearance and operation similar to a conventional coin-activated slider without the use of coins. A card reader activates the coin slider and allows a user to push the slide bar to actuate a game, machine, or device in a manner similar to that of a convention slider. A servo motor engages or disengages latching hooks to prevent or allow operation of the slide bar.