Synchronous Frequency Switching in Money Item Sensors
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electromagnetic sensors for validating money items, such as coins, are limited in the number of frequencies they can sample, requiring phase transitions between frequencies, which complicates the determination of multiple properties efficiently.
Innovation Solution
An electromagnetically inductive money item sensor with a resonant oscillator that can synchronously switch between different frequencies by altering its component configuration, allowing rapid determination of multiple properties by measuring fluctuations in the oscillating frequency as money items pass through a magnetic field.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a single sensor uses multiple frequencies to determine multiple properties of money items, then the versatility and measurement capability are improved, but the device complexity increases due to required phase transitions between frequencies
Solution Approach 1:
The oscillator performs periodic frequency switching between multiple operating frequencies in a cyclic manner. The frequency transitions occur at regular intervals synchronized with the oscillation cycles, allowing the sensor to sequentially measure different properties of money items at different frequencies without requiring complex phase transition mechanisms. This periodic frequency modulation enables multi-frequency operation while maintaining system simplicity.
2Productivity
If the oscillator switches between different frequencies to measure multiple properties, then the productivity and speed of validation are improved, but the stability of oscillation may deteriorate during frequency transitions
Solution Approach 1:
The oscillator prepares for frequency transitions by pre-establishing the conditions for switching at specific points in the oscillation cycle. The frequency changes are initiated at predetermined moments when the oscillation state is known and controlled, allowing smooth transitions without disrupting overall stability. This preliminary preparation ensures that frequency switching occurs at optimal moments, maintaining measurement accuracy and system stability.
3Adaptability or versatility
If frequency transitions are implemented in existing sensors, then the ability to sample multiple frequencies is improved, but the time required for each measurement increases due to phase transition requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The oscillator maintains continuous useful action by ensuring that frequency transitions occur without interrupting the measurement process. The frequency switching is synchronized with the oscillation cycles and the money item passage, allowing measurements to proceed continuously at different frequencies. This continuous operation eliminates idle time during frequency transitions, maximizing the utilization of measurement time and improving overall productivity.
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 rapid and efficient determination of multiple properties of money items by quickly stabilizing at new frequencies, enabling multiple readings within the time a money item passes, reducing complexity and component costs, and allowing a single oscillator to produce all necessary frequencies.
Implementation Method 1
an electromagnetically inductive sensor in which an oscillator is configured to synchronously switch between different frequencies of oscillation
Implementation Method 2
At the instant of zero electrical current, the electrical energy in the oscillating circuit may be stored in one or more resonant capacitors
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
An apparatus comprising a money item sensor comprising an electrical oscillator operable at a plurality of different oscillating frequencies to sense at least one property of money items. The oscillator is configured to trigger changes in the oscillating frequency synchronously with the beginning of a new frequency cycle of the oscillator.