Token Collection Assembly with Sliding Base and Hinged Cover
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Solution Overview
Problem
Commercial laundry appliances face challenges in securely collecting and managing tokens for operation, particularly in ensuring that tokens are not inadvertently removed during maintenance or servicing.
Innovation Solution
A token collection assembly featuring a vault with openings, a token box, and a cover feature with a rotating shell and slidable base that transitions between positions to provide secure access and maintenance access, ensuring tokens are retained during operation and maintenance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a vault with openings is used to collect tokens, then token collection capability is improved, but token security against unauthorized removal deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The cover feature is divided into multiple functional segments: a base that slides to cover openings, a shell that rotates to provide access, and fasteners that secure the assembly. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function - the base provides security by covering openings, while the shell provides controlled access when needed
Solution Approach 2:
The cover feature employs dynamic elements including a slidable base that can move between covering and uncovered positions, and a rotatable shell that can swing between closed and open positions. These dynamic components enable the system to transition between secure storage mode and authorized access mode, resolving the contradiction between security and accessibility
2Reliability
If a secure vault structure is used to prevent token removal, then token security is improved, but maintenance access difficulty increases
Solution Approach 1:
The cover feature is designed to be self-contained and self-operating. The sliding base and rotating shell can be manually operated by maintenance personnel without requiring special tools or complex mechanisms. The fasteners automatically secure the assembly when closed, and the design allows maintenance personnel to independently perform servicing by simply operating the cover feature
Solution Approach 2:
The shell acts as an intermediary element between the secure vault structure and the token box. It provides a controlled interface that allows maintenance personnel to access tokens when needed while maintaining security during normal operation. The shell's rotating mechanism serves as a mediator that transitions the system between secure and accessible states
3Adaptability or versatility
If a rotating shell and slidable base mechanism is used, then selective access capability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The cover feature merges multiple functions into a single integrated assembly: the base provides opening coverage and sliding motion, the shell provides rotational access control, and fasteners provide securing functionality. By combining these elements into one unified cover feature assembly rather than separate mechanisms, the patent reduces overall system complexity while maintaining selective access capability
Data Source
AI summary
A vault defines a cavity wherein openings define the vault and are open into the cavity. A token box is disposed within the cavity of the vault. A cover feature has a shell and a base. The base is slidably coupled to the vault to transition between a first position and a second position. The shell is hingedly coupled to the base to hinge between a covering position and a servicing position when the base is in the second position.