Pivotable Diversion Element for Coin Sorting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing coin sorting devices face challenges in increasing throughput and maintaining continuous operation while minimizing incorrect sorting, especially in distinguishing between good and defective coins.
Innovation Solution
A device with a conveying system and a pivotable diversion element that transfers mechanical momentum to disc-shaped objects, allowing only classified good parts to be removed from the conveying path, utilizing a servo motor for precise control and energy efficiency, and incorporating sensors for autonomous classification and error detection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If conventional ejection elements are used to remove defective coins, then sorting can be performed, but the throughput is limited and continuous operation is difficult to maintain
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of removing defective coins from the conveying path, the invention inverts the approach by removing good coins and allowing defective coins to continue on the conveying path. This is achieved by the diversion element which deflects good coins into a first container while defective coins remain on the conveying path for further processing or separate collection.
Solution Approach 2:
The diversion element is designed to be dynamically adjustable, allowing it to be positioned at different angles and locations along the conveying path. This dynamic positioning enables the system to adapt to different coin types and sorting requirements, maintaining high throughput while ensuring reliable continuous operation.
2Productivity
If more ejection elements are added to increase sorting capacity, then more coins can be sorted, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The single diversion element serves multiple functions: it deflects good coins into the first container, allows defective coins to continue on the conveying path, and can be repositioned to handle different coin types. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for multiple separate ejection elements, maintaining high sorting capacity while reducing device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The sorting process is segmented into distinct zones along the conveying path: an inspection zone, a diversion zone where good coins are removed, and a continuation zone where defective coins proceed. This spatial segmentation allows a single diversion element to effectively sort coins without requiring multiple ejection mechanisms.
3Productivity
If the diversion element transfers high momentum to remove coins quickly, then throughput increases, but the likelihood of incorrect sorting increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system incorporates feedback mechanisms where sensors detect coin characteristics and provide real-time information to the control system. The control system then adjusts the diversion element's position and the conveying device's speed to ensure accurate sorting. This feedback loop maintains high throughput while minimizing incorrect sorting by dynamically optimizing the momentum transfer based on actual coin properties.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically changes parameters such as the diversion element's angular position, the conveying speed, and the timing of momentum transfer based on detected coin characteristics. By adjusting these parameters in real-time, the system achieves both high throughput and high sorting accuracy, preventing incorrect classification while maintaining fast 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
The solution enables high-throughput sorting of coins with reduced incorrect sorting, maintaining homogeneity of removed parts and achieving uninterrupted operation by leveraging kinetic energy and precise control, capable of sorting over 20 coins per second with enhanced energy efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
the diversion element is arranged to be pivoted into the conveying path by means of a drive in such a way that, for the removal of an object, it transfers a mechanical momentum to the object to be removed by means of the pivoting movement
Implementation Method 2
leveraging kinetic energy and precise control
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a device and a method for sorting disc-shaped objects, in particular coins. The device comprises a conveying device configured to convey individual disc-shaped objects along a conveyor path. A discharge unit comprising a pivotable diversion element serves to selectively discharge individual objects which are being conveyed along the conveyor path. The objects are discharged according to a previously determined classification for each object, in a classification system which differentiates between good parts and defective parts. In order to discharge an object, the diversion element is designed to be pivoted by means of a drive into the conveyor path such that, by means of the pivoting movement, the diversion element transfers a mechanical impulse to the object to be discharged. The impulse has, with respect to the direction of movement of the object at the time of the impulse transfer, both a perpendicular and an antiparallel impulse component. The impulse components are selected such that the impulse changes the direction of movement of the object, causing the object to be discharged from the conveyor path. During the sorting of good parts and defective parts, only the conveyed objects which have been classified as good parts in accordance with the classification system are discharged by means of the diversion element.