Token Sorting Mechanism with Rotating Trapping Means
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing token management systems in vending machines are limited in their ability to order tokens of different sizes and types across multiple containers, and are often bulky due to their reliance on angular position and fixed container placement.
Innovation Solution
A device with a support element and anchoring base that uses a rotatable or slidable trapping means with actuated selection elements and sensors to direct tokens into corresponding containers based on their characteristics, allowing for flexible positioning and sorting of tokens through rotation or translation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If rotating elements are used to collect and sort tokens, then token selection capability is improved, but device complexity and bulkiness increase due to control system dependency on angular position
Solution Approach 1:
The device is divided into independent functional modules: a support structure for holding multiple containers, a rotating element with token-collecting housings, and a separate ordering element with token-ordering housings. This segmentation allows each module to perform its specific function independently, reducing the complexity of the overall control system while maintaining versatile token selection capability across multiple containers.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple token containers are supported, then token variety handling is improved, but device volume and bulkiness increase
Solution Approach 1:
The token-collecting housings and token-ordering housings are arranged in a nested or integrated configuration where the rotating element with collecting housings operates within the same vertical space as the support structure for multiple containers. The ordering element is positioned to utilize the same rotational mechanism, allowing multiple containers to be served without proportionally increasing device volume.
3Manufacturing precision
If angular position control is used for precise token delivery, then token delivery precision is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates due to complex control requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The rotating element is designed to automatically align the token-collecting housings with the corresponding container openings through its rotation, and the ordering element automatically positions token-ordering housings to channel tokens to the correct container. This self-aligning mechanism reduces the need for complex angular position control systems while maintaining precise token delivery, as the physical design of the housings and openings ensures proper alignment during rotation.
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
Enables efficient and automated selection and ordering of tokens across multiple containers, improving flexibility and reducing bulkiness by using simple, easily producible elements and sensors for precise control.
Implementation Method 1
A sensor, suitable for recognizing the tokens, placed in the housing 60 of the anchoring base 21, in a position useful for intercepting the tokens constrained to turn within the housings 8
Implementation Method 2
the token present in the housing 8 falls, crossing the opening 40 and the through openings 24 under the force of gravity, in the corresponding channel 18
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~3
Figure 4~5
AI summary
A device for selecting and ordering tokens is described, comprising a token collector, a trapping means for tokens suitable for trapping said tokens, a selection element, an optical sensor for recognizing the tokens' colour, said trapping means for coins and said selection element being controlled by actuators managed by a control unit in order to permit the ordering of tokens inside the containers anchored to a sorting element.