Resilient Rim Geometry for Coin Sorting Accuracy
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing coin sorters face challenges in achieving high accuracy and speed without compromising on the sorting of coins of varying thickness and reducing the risk of jams, due to complex manufacturing processes and inconsistent pressure on coins.
Innovation Solution
A coin sorter with a resilient rim featuring tapered projecting parts made from flexible materials like Nitrile rubber or TPU, positioned to press coins towards the border of the base plate, ensuring consistent pressure and reduced missorting, and an inclined rail block designed to engage coins early enough to prevent bouncing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If narrow fins are used to move coins along the reference edge, then coin sorting speed is improved, but manufacturing complexity increases and coin pressing accuracy deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts the essential function of coin guidance and pressing from the complex multi-fin structure, retaining only a single reference edge that serves both as a guidance boundary and a pressing surface. This simplification eliminates manufacturing complexity while preserving the ability to move and press coins accurately along the sorting path.
Solution Approach 2:
The reference edge is designed to perform multiple functions simultaneously: it guides coins along the sorting path, presses coins against the sorting surface for accurate hole alignment, and provides a consistent reference for coin positioning. This multi-functional design replaces the need for separate guidance and pressing mechanisms.
2Manufacturing precision
If multiple narrow fins are used to guide coins, then coin movement control is improved, but manufacturing complexity and pressure consistency worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts the essential guidance and pressing function from the complex multi-fin structure, retaining only a single reference edge that provides both coin guidance and pressing capability. This reduces manufacturing complexity while maintaining positioning accuracy through the simplified geometry of the reference edge.
Solution Approach 2:
The reference edge is designed with specific local geometric properties (width, curvature, surface finish) that are optimized for both guiding and pressing coins. The local quality of the reference edge surface ensures consistent coin contact and positioning without requiring multiple separate components.
3Manufacturing precision
If resilient rubber ring is used to press coins, then coin sorting accuracy is improved, but device complexity and maintenance difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The reference edge is designed to maintain its pressing function through its own structural properties and material characteristics without requiring external adjustment mechanisms or complex assembly. The self-service design allows the reference edge to automatically adapt to coin variations while maintaining consistent pressing force.
Solution Approach 2:
The reference edge utilizes material parameter changes (elasticity, hardness) and geometric parameter optimization (width, curvature) to achieve consistent coin pressing. These parameter changes allow the reference edge to adapt to different coin types and thicknesses while maintaining sorting accuracy, replacing the need for complex adjustable rubber ring mechanisms.
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 enhances sorting accuracy and speed by maintaining consistent pressure on coins of different thicknesses, reducing the risk of missorting and jams, while being easier to manufacture and maintain.
Implementation Method 1
a resilient rim (606) of the coin sorter (102) comprises at least one projecting part (702, 704)
Implementation Method 2
an inclined rail block designed to engage coins early enough to prevent bouncing
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~4
Figure 5~6
AI summary
The present invention relates to a coin sorter wherein a flexible rim (606) is used for engaging a coin (706) to be sorted and bring the coin in abutment with a circular border (620) of the coin sorter in a path across a plurality of circularly arranged coin openings.