1. The core structure of the gashapon machine
The internal structure of the gashapon machine can be divided into four modules:
1. Egg storage bin: usually a transparent cylindrical or square container, the capacity varies greatly depending on the model. For example, common commercial gashapon machines (such as Bandai Gashapon) can store 100-300 gashapons (about 4-5cm in diameter) at a time. A slope or turntable is designed at the bottom of the bin to guide the eggs to the exit by gravity or rotation.
2. Transmission mechanism:
- Gear set: responsible for transmitting the power of the user's rotating handle to the turntable, the gear ratio is usually 1:3 to 1:5 (Japanese patent JP2005-125312), ensuring that only one egg is released in a single operation.
- Baffle system: The spring-controlled metal baffle is located at the exit and is only mechanically triggered to open after the coin is inserted to prevent theft.
3. Coin system: includes coin identifier (accuracy ±0.1mm, refer to JIS B 9550 standard) and counter. Modern models may integrate IC card or mobile payment module.
4. Electronic control unit (optional): high-end models are equipped with single-chip microcomputer to manage lights, sound effects and inventory warnings. For example, the Sega PriFun series monitors the balance through infrared sensors.
2. Working principle and extended design
The operation of the gashapon machine depends on mechanical linkage and user interaction:
1. Coin verification stage: The coin falls into the identification area through the track. If the thickness (1.8-3.0mm) and diameter (22-28mm) do not match, it will be rejected. 90% of the models in the Japanese market support 100 yen coins (diameter 22.6mm, weight 4.8g).
2. Transmission and egg-out stage:
- The user rotates the handle to drive the gear, and the turntable rotates 120°-180° (depending on the model) to make an egg fall into the guide groove.
- When the capsule falls, it hits the cushion (polyurethane material, hardness 40-60 Shore A) to reduce the breakage rate.
3. Anti-theft design: The double locking mechanism (physical baffle + electronic counting) can control the misoperation rate below 0.1% (data source: Toyo Vending 2021 annual report).
III. Innovative variants and special models
The improved structures that have appeared in recent years include:
- Double-layer egg storage bin: such as Bandai's "Yokohama Gundam Factory" limited machine, the upper layer stores rare models (accounting for 10% of the total), and the drop probability is controlled by algorithm.
- Modular design: The capsule machine launched by European manufacturer Stickerkid allows the replacement of internal components and adapts to capsules of different sizes (3-8cm diameter).
By disassembling the structure and principle, it can be seen that the capsule machine is a combination of precision machinery and user psychology, and its design details directly affect operational efficiency and user experience.
