Movable Coin Output Unit for Ergonomic Dispensing

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Solution Overview

Problem

Coin depositing and dispensing machines face challenges in providing ergonomic access to users due to the internal mechanical systems requiring significant space, making it difficult to output coins easily and efficiently from a location far from the front face of the machine.

Innovation Solution

A coin output unit comprising two movable elements, where the first element is displaceable towards the front face to protrude from the machine, allowing easy access without extending the mechanical structure, and a control unit ensures correct positioning for dispensing coins, eliminating the need for additional transport systems and enhancing reliability.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If the coin storage unit is located far from the front face of the machine to accommodate internal mechanical systems, then the machine structure can be robust and reliable, but user access to dispensed coins becomes difficult and non-ergonomic

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemachine reliabilityVSAvoiduser access to coins
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies dynamics by making the coin output unit movable rather than fixed. The output unit can be displaced between a first position (for receiving coins from storage) and a second position (for presenting coins to the user at the front face). This dynamic repositioning allows the system to maintain reliable coin handling while providing ergonomic user access, resolving the contradiction between machine reliability and ease of operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Reliability

If internal mechanical systems are made large to ensure robustness and reliability, then the machine becomes more reliable, but the space required increases making coin output far from the front face

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemechanical system reliabilityVSAvoiddistance from front face to coin storage
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLength of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The coin output unit is designed as a movable component that can be displaced between different positions. In the first position, it receives coins from the storage unit located far from the front face. In the second position, it brings coins to the front face for user access. This dynamic design allows the mechanical system to remain robust while minimizing the effective distance coins need to be transported, thus resolving the contradiction between reliability and machine length.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Device complexity

If a simple coin output mechanism is used, then the device complexity is reduced, but the ability to provide ergonomic coin access to users is compromised

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecoin output mechanism complexityVSAvoidcoin accessibility
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a relatively simple dynamic mechanism where the coin output unit can be displaced between two main positions. This avoids complex multi-stage transport systems while still achieving ergonomic coin presentation at the front face. The simplicity of the displacement mechanism keeps device complexity low, while the ability to reposition the output unit provides excellent user access, thus resolving the contradiction between device complexity and ease of operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentEP3239938B1A coin deposit and dispensing machine and a method for controlling output of coins from a coin deposit and dispensing machine
Publication Date: 2022.07.06 SCAN COIN
  • EP3239938B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3239938B1 patent drawingFigure 2a~2c
  • EP3239938B1 patent drawingFigure 3a~3b

AI summary

A coin depositing and dispensing machine (100) comprises: a front face (102); a coin input unit (104); a coin processing unit (106); at least one container (110) for storing coins of a specific denomination; and a coin output unit (120), comprising a first element (122) and a second element (124) carrying the first element (122), wherein the first element (122) in a first position (122A) is arranged relative the at least one container (110) for receiving coins from the at least one container (110), wherein the first element (122) is displaceable relative the second element (124) from the first position (122A) towards the front face (102) to a second position (122B), and wherein the second element (124), when the first element (122) is in the second position (122B), is displaceable for carrying the first element (122) to an output position (122C), where the first element (122) at least partially protrudes from the front face (102).