Coin Handling Apparatus With Upper Cassette Access

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional coin handling apparatuses face poor workability in cassette mounting and dismounting, particularly when the cassette is positioned at the bottom of the apparatus, and require dedicated transport paths for replenishing storage units.

Innovation Solution

The coin handling apparatus is designed with a cassette positioned above the storage units, allowing easy mounting and dismounting by pivoting a cover that serves as a placement table, and utilizing a single transport path for both depositing and dispensing operations, eliminating the need for dedicated paths for replenishment.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Device complexity

If the cassette is positioned at the bottom of the apparatus, then the structure is simplified, but the workability for mounting and dismounting the cassette deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovestructureVSAvoidworkability for mounting and dismounting cassette
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent inverts the conventional arrangement by positioning the cassette at the upper side of the coin handling apparatus instead of at the bottom. This inversion makes the cassette easily accessible for mounting and dismounting operations from the front surface, while the cover pivots from the rear surface to serve as a placement table, resolving the contradiction between structural simplicity and operational ease.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

2Productivity

If a dedicated transport path is provided for replenishment, then the replenishment function is improved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvereplenishment functionVSAvoidtransport path structure
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies multi-functionality by enabling the single transport path to serve multiple purposes: it handles both depositing operations (from the depositing unit) and replenishment operations (from the cassette). The transport path is designed with flexible coin feeding mechanisms that can receive coins from either source, eliminating the need for separate dedicated paths and reducing overall device complexity while maintaining productivity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Ease of operation

If the cassette is positioned above the storage units, then the ease of operation for cassette handling is improved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of cassette handlingVSAvoidtransport path structure
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs dynamic design elements including a pivotable cover mechanism that rotates from a rear opening position to a front-facing placement table position, and a flexible transport path system that can dynamically route coins from either the depositing unit or the cassette to the feeding unit. These dynamic components enable easy cassette handling from the upper position while managing the complexity through flexible, adaptive mechanisms rather than rigid fixed paths.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

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

This design facilitates easy cassette handling and reduces the complexity of transport paths, enhancing the operational efficiency and ease of use by allowing the cassette to be easily accessed and operated from a higher position, thus improving overall workability.

Implementation Method 1

a recognition unit configured to recognize the coins that have been fed out to the first transport path by the feeding unit

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectOptical recognition: Optical Fibre

Implementation Method 2

The recognized coins are transported along a transport path. The transport path is provided with chutes corresponding to the respective storage/feeding units. The coins recognized by the recognition unit are dropped through the corresponding chutes

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectGravitational transport: Gravitation

Implementation Method 3

a feeding unit configured to feed out coins one by one to the first transport path

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMechanical feeding: Mechanical Force

Data Source

PatentEP3742408B1Coin handling apparatus
Publication Date: 2025.09.24 GLORY LTD
  • EP3742408B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3742408B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3742408B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A coin handling apparatus includes: a first transport path configured to transport coins; a feeding unit configured to feed out the coins one by one to the first transport path; a recognition unit configured to recognize the coins fed out to the first transport path by the feeding unit; a storage unit arranged beneath the recognition unit, the storage unit being configured to receive the coins recognized by the recognition unit from the first transport path, and store the coins therein; and a cassette detachably mounted to the coin handling apparatus and arranged beneath the recognition unit and above the storage unit, the cassette being configured to receive the coins from the first transport path and store the coins therein.