Vehicle Coin Dispenser Sorting and Counting Mechanism

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current coin handling systems for vehicles lack an efficient and user-friendly method to sort, count, and dispense coins based on requested values, particularly for use on vehicle dashboards.

Innovation Solution

A coin dispenser device mounted on a vehicle's dashboard that includes a hopper, sorting chute, columns, and a control system to sort and count coins by value, allowing users to request and dispense specific amounts using a combination of mechanical and electronic components, including sensors and actuators, and user interfaces like keypads and microphones for voice commands.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a coin dispenser system is implemented in a vehicle, then coin sorting and dispensing capability is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecoin sorting and dispensing capabilityVSAvoidsystem complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The coin dispenser is divided into distinct functional modules: a hopper for coin storage, a sorting mechanism with sensors to identify coin values, a counting system, and a dispensing mechanism. Each module performs a specific function, allowing the complex task of coin management to be broken down into manageable segments that can be independently controlled and maintained.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Sensors and control systems act as intermediaries between the physical coins and the user's requests. The sensors detect coin characteristics and transmit this information to the control system, which processes the data and coordinates the dispensing mechanism. This intermediary layer automates the sorting and dispensing process, reducing the need for manual intervention while managing system complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Productivity

If automated coin sorting and counting is implemented, then productivity is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecoin processing efficiencyVSAvoidmechanical and electronic components
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The coin dispenser enables self-service operation where users can independently insert coins, request specific denominations or amounts through the user interface, and receive dispensed coins without assistance. The system automatically sorts, counts, and dispenses coins based on user requests, eliminating the need for manual coin handling and significantly improving processing efficiency.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The system incorporates sensors that detect coin insertion and characteristics, providing real-time feedback to the control system. The control system processes this feedback information to identify coin values, update the count of available coins, and determine the appropriate dispensing action. This feedback loop enables automated decision-making and coordination of the dispensing mechanism.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

3Adaptability or versatility

If multiple sorting and dispensing functions are integrated, then adaptability is improved, but ease of operation may worsen

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecoin value matching capabilityVSAvoiduser interface complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The coin dispenser is designed to handle multiple coin denominations and perform various dispensing functions through a single integrated system. The sorting mechanism can identify different coin values, the counting system tracks multiple denominations, and the dispensing mechanism can provide any requested combination of coins. This multi-functionality allows the system to adapt to different user needs while maintaining a unified interface.

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

Data Source

PatentUS9547948B1Vehicle coin dispenser
Publication Date: 2017.01.17 DELIA JOHN
  • US9547948B1 patent drawing
  • US9547948B1 patent drawing
  • US9547948B1 patent drawing

AI summary

The vehicle coin dispenser is a device that is adapted for use with one or more coins. The vehicle coin dispenser is adapted for use with a vehicle. The vehicle coin dispenser is mounted on the dashboard of a vehicle. The vehicle coin dispenser receives coins, sorts the coins received by value, counts the coins received, receives a dispense amount request, and dispenses the collected and received coins such that the value of the dispensed coins equals the requested dispense amount. The vehicle coin dispenser comprises a housing and a control system.