Parallel Coin Dispenser Spouts for Compact Footprint
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing coin deposit and dispensing apparatuses are large and complex, making them unsuitable for smaller retail establishments, where a compact and cost-effective solution is needed for efficient cash handling.
Innovation Solution
A compact coin dispensing apparatus with a cabinet housing, a control means, and multiple dispensers arranged in parallel rows or a zig-zag pattern, eliminating the need for a complex channel system and allowing for efficient sorting and dispensing of coins directly into a portable receptacle.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If a complex channel system is used to guide coins to dispensers, then coin dispensing accuracy is improved, but device complexity and footprint increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the complex channel system entirely and replaces it with spouts that directly guide coins from the coin acceptance module to the dispensers. This extraction of the intermediate channel structure simplifies the device while maintaining coin guiding functionality through the spout design.
Solution Approach 2:
The dispensing system is segmented into multiple dispensers arranged in parallel rows, each with its own spout. This segmentation allows coins to be directed to specific dispensers through simple gravitational flow and spout positioning rather than complex routing channels.
2Productivity
If multiple dispensers are arranged in parallel rows, then dispensing efficiency is improved, but device footprint increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent arranges dispensers in parallel rows extending in one dimension rather than spreading them out in two dimensions. This linear arrangement allows multiple dispensers to be accommodated in a compact footprint by utilizing the length of the apparatus rather than expanding its width or depth.
3Area of stationary object
If a compact design is implemented, then device footprint is reduced, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The spout is merged with the dispenser as an integral component rather than a separate part. This merging simplifies manufacturing by reducing the number of components and assembly steps while achieving the compact design goal of directing coins directly to dispensers without complex external channel structures.
Data Source
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AI summary
A coin dispensing apparatus (100) has a cabinet (102) serving as an apparatus housing for the apparatus (100). The apparatus further has a module for receiving, optionally validating and optionally sorting coins of different types and at least one dispenser (142) for coins to be dispensed. The apparatus is adapted to dispense a specific composition of coins from the at least one dispenser (142) to a portable coin receptacle. Each dispenser comprises a spout (145) and is shaped such that a plurality of dispensers can be placed in a pattern allowing the spouts to be placed in a row. An effect of this is that the sorted coins can be dispensed in a row above the row of spouts, thus there is no need for an additional complex channel system for leading the sorted coins into the correct dispenser.