Segmented Gate Mechanism for High-Speed Coin Sorting
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional coin handling apparatuses face challenges in correctly sorting coins, particularly at high transport speeds, where gates may not open and close in time, leading to incorrect sorting and potential loss of small-diameter coins through gaps.
Innovation Solution
A coin handling apparatus with a transport path and conveyor system, featuring a gate mechanism comprising multiple members that rotate between closed and opened positions to control coin dropping, utilizing a drive motor to manage the gate's movement and ensure accurate sorting, even at high speeds.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the gate is made as a single solid structure to prevent coin leakage, then sorting reliability improves, but the gate opening/closing speed decreases due to increased weight
Solution Approach 1:
The gate is divided into multiple segments (first gate member and second gate member) that can move independently. This segmentation reduces the weight of each individual gate member while maintaining the overall sealing function, enabling faster opening and closing speeds without compromising sorting reliability
2Reliability
If the gate opening is fully closed to prevent coin drop, then coin loss prevention improves, but small-diameter coins cannot pass through when needed
Solution Approach 1:
The gate members are designed to be movable rather than fixed, allowing the gate opening to dynamically adjust its state. The gate can transition between closed (preventing coin loss) and opened (allowing coin passage) positions, providing adaptability to different operational requirements while maintaining reliability
3Ease of manufacture
If the gate structure is simplified to reduce complexity, then manufacturing ease improves, but the ability to control precise coin sorting at high speeds deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The gate is segmented into multiple independent members that can be manufactured separately using standard components, maintaining manufacturing simplicity. The segmented design enables precise control of each member's movement, allowing accurate coin sorting at high speeds through coordinated operation of the gate members
Data Source
AI summary
In order to drop a coin into an opening formed in a transport path for sorting coins, a coin handling apparatus includes: a transport path having a transport surface in which the opening for dropping a coin is formed; a conveyor configured to transport a coin on the transport surface along the transport path; a gate including a plurality of members configured to move between a closed position for closing the opening such that a coin transported by the conveyor is not dropped into the opening, and an opened position for opening the opening such that the coin is dropped into the opening; and a drive motor configured to drive the plurality of members to control the gate to move between the closed position and the opened position.