Rotating Shutter Coin Replenishing Apparatus
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional coin replenishing apparatuses for low-height coin receiving and dispensing machines face challenges in efficiently replenishing coins due to increased size constraints and dead spaces, which hinder complete coin replenishment and secure access.
Innovation Solution
A coin replenishing apparatus with a rotating shutter mechanism that enlarges the outlet opening to match the coin input port, preventing unauthorized access and ensuring all coins can be replenished without dead spaces, utilizing a torque limiter and manual operation handle for cost-effectiveness and compact design.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Length of stationary object
If the height of the coin receiving and dispensing machine is reduced, then the machine size is decreased, but the outlet opening width becomes smaller than the coin input port width
Solution Approach 1:
The shutter mechanism is nested within the replenishing apparatus structure, allowing the outlet opening to be enlarged to match the coin input port width without increasing the overall machine height. The shutter rotates within the existing spatial envelope to control the opening, effectively nesting the control mechanism inside the compact structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The outlet opening width is made dynamic through the rotating shutter mechanism. The shutter can rotate between closed and open positions, dynamically adjusting the effective opening width to match the coin input port when needed, while maintaining a compact closed-state profile that preserves machine height constraints.
2Volume of stationary object
If the travel amount of the shutter is reduced to decrease apparatus size, then the apparatus size is decreased, but the outlet opening must be made smaller
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of increasing the linear travel distance of the shutter, the solution moves to rotational motion in a different dimensional space. The shutter rotates about an axis perpendicular to the opening direction, allowing the outlet opening to be enlarged without increasing the apparatus volume in the linear travel direction.
3Ease of operation
If a conventional sliding shutter mechanism is used, then the coin dispensing function is achieved, but the apparatus size increases due to the required sliding range
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of using a conventional sliding shutter that moves linearly to control the opening, the invention inverts the approach by using a rotating shutter mechanism. This rotational approach achieves the same coin dispensing control function while requiring significantly less spatial envelope, thereby reducing apparatus size.
Data Source
AI summary
A coin replenishing apparatus, such as a detachable safe, can be securely mounted on a coin receiving and dispensing machine. The safe can have an interior cavity with an opening that can be covered by a lid that is lockable. Coins can be deposited into the safe cavity in a bulk state. A shutter member is movable from an exterior of the safe body member to enable the opening and closing of access to the interior cavity. The safe body exterior can have guide rails, connectors and other features for both securing and determining the position of the safe above a coin receipt opening in the coin receiving and dispensing apparatus.