Rotating Disk Coin Input Apparatus for Jam-Free Flow
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing coin counting machines are ill-suited for processing large quantities of coins efficiently and accurately, often requiring user intervention to prevent jamming and ensure proper coin flow, which can lead to inefficiencies and user dissatisfaction.
Innovation Solution
A coin input apparatus featuring a rotating disk within a bowl structure that automatically changes direction to transfer coins into a counting machine, utilizing dual paths to reduce jamming and facilitate efficient coin flow without manual user intervention.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a hinged coin input tray is manually lifted by the user to introduce coins into the machine, then the machine can receive coins, but user intervention is required to prevent jamming and ensure proper coin flow
Solution Approach 1:
The rotating disk mechanism automatically transfers coins from the input tray to the counting mechanism without requiring user intervention. The disk rotates to move coins along a controlled path, eliminating the need for users to manually guide coins or prevent jamming, thus achieving self-service operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The system employs a dynamically rotating disk that can change direction and speed to adapt to different coin flow conditions. This dynamic movement allows the system to automatically adjust coin transfer rates and paths, preventing jamming without user intervention.
2Productivity
If the user lifts the tray too fast, then coin input speed increases, but coins may leave the input tray too quickly and jam the machine
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses sensors to detect coin presence and flow conditions in real-time. This feedback information controls the disk rotation speed and direction, automatically adjusting the coin transfer rate to match the user's input speed and prevent jamming, thus maintaining both high productivity and reliable coin flow control.
Solution Approach 2:
The rotating disk dynamically adjusts its rotation speed and direction based on real-time conditions. When coins are detected, the disk rotates at appropriate speeds to transfer them smoothly, and can reverse direction to clear potential blockages, maintaining reliable coin flow control during high-speed input.
3Reliability
If the user lifts the tray too slowly, then coin flow is controlled, but the user may need to move some coins out of the tray and over the peak by hand
Solution Approach 1:
The rotating disk automatically moves coins from the input tray at controlled speeds without requiring user assistance. The system self-regulates the transfer process, eliminating the need for users to manually move coins over peaks or guide individual coins, thus maintaining both reliable flow control and high productivity.
4Adaptability or versatility
If a spring-loaded rotating disk is used to drop when more coins are poured in, then excess coins can be handled, but it makes it difficult to adequately seal gaps between the rotating disk and the surrounding coin bowl
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the spring-loaded dropping mechanism entirely and replaces it with a controlled rotating disk system. This extraction of the problematic mechanism eliminates the sealing issues while maintaining the ability to handle varying coin quantities through automated rotation control.
Solution Approach 2:
The rotating disk provides a dynamic solution that adapts to different coin quantities through controlled rotation, eliminating the need for complex sealing mechanisms associated with spring-loaded systems. The disk can rotate freely to accommodate excess coins while maintaining proper seals through its controlled movement.
Data Source
AI summary
Automatic coin input apparatuses for use with consumer coin counting machines and/or other coin processing machines are disclosed herein. In one embodiment, a coin bowl structure includes a rotatable disk configured to support a plurality of randomly oriented coins deposited thereon. In operation, rotation of the disk in a first direction can automatically drive a first portion of the coins deposited thereon out of the bowl structure through a first coin passage, and rotation of the disk in a second direction opposite to the first direction can automatically drive a second portion of the coins deposited thereon out of the bowl structure through a second coin passage different than the first coin passage.