Inductive Coin Measuring Assembly with E-Core

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional coin testing devices in free-fall configurations face challenges in accurately measuring coins due to the rapid fall and fluctuating position of coins relative to sensors, requiring high-performance probes that struggle with transmissive and reflective measurements.

Innovation Solution

An inductive measuring arrangement featuring two coaxially arranged elongated coils within an E-shaped pot core, allowing for both transmissive and reflective measurements with minimal coupling between coils, enabling effective measurement across varying coin positions and distances.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Speed

If coins fall through the measuring channel quickly in free-fall configuration, then measurement speed is improved, but measurement precision deteriorates due to fluctuating coin positions relative to probes

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemeasurement speedVSAvoidmeasurement precision

Core Design Contradiction:

SpeedVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The measuring arrangement is divided into multiple independent measuring sections, each with its own transmitting and receiving coils positioned at specific locations along the fall path. This segmentation allows each section to independently measure specific parameters of the coin at different positions, compensating for the fluctuating overall position while maintaining precise local measurements.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The system uses receiving coils to detect the magnetic field changes caused by the coin's presence and compares this feedback signal with expected values. By continuously monitoring the magnetic field interactions and adjusting measurements based on the feedback from multiple coil positions, the system maintains measurement precision despite the rapid and fluctuating coin positions during free-fall.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

2Difficulty of detecting and measuring

If inductive probes are used for coin measurement, then measurement capability is improved, but device complexity increases due to requirements for precise probe positioning and coupling management

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemeasurement capabilityVSAvoiddevice complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Difficulty of detecting and measuringVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Multiple measuring functions (transmissive and reflective measurement) are merged into a single integrated measuring arrangement. The transmitting and receiving coils are combined in specific configurations within the same device structure, allowing both measurement types to be performed simultaneously or sequentially without requiring separate independent probe systems, thereby reducing overall device complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The measuring arrangement is designed with universal functionality to perform both transmissive and reflective measurements using the same basic coil structure. By configuring the transmitting and receiving coils in different arrangements (opposite sides for transmissive, same side for reflective), the system can adapt to different measurement requirements without requiring completely separate devices, reducing complexity while maintaining comprehensive measurement capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Measurement precision

If coins are moved slowly through the coin device during measurement, then measurement precision is improved, but productivity deteriorates due to limited insertion frequency

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemeasurement precisionVSAvoidinsertion frequency

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The system employs periodic measuring cycles where multiple measurements are taken at different positions along the fall path during the coin's descent. By performing measurements periodically at multiple points rather than requiring slow continuous movement, the system achieves high measurement precision through multiple data points while maintaining fast coin throughput and high insertion frequency.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #19Periodic action

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

This arrangement enables efficient and accurate coin testing by allowing high-frequency operation and distinguishing between ring and core materials in bicolor coins, while maintaining a compact design for increased throughput.

Implementation Method 1

Inductive measuring probes preferably consist of a transmitting coil and a receiving coil

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectromagnetic induction: Electromagnetic Induction

Implementation Method 2

The core enables a relatively homogeneous magnetic field

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectFerromagnetism: Ferromagnetism

Data Source

PatentEP2207148B1Inductive measuring assembly for free-fall coin devices

Publication Date: 2019.10.30 CRANE PAYMENT INNOVATIONS LTD

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AI summary

Inductive measuring arrangement for coin verification in free-fall coin devices, in which at least one elongated coil arrangement extends transversely to the falling path on one side of the coin's fall path, wherein two coaxial elongated coils are arranged side by side, and an E-shaped shell core is provided which accommodates the coils between its outer legs, wherein a middle leg does not extend into the outer coil at all or only partially.