Actuated Castellation Plate for Currency Anti-Fraud
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current anti-fraud devices in automatic transaction machines are ineffective against advanced string fraud techniques, where thieves use wide tails attached to bills to bypass existing hook arrays, leading to undetected fraud.
Innovation Solution
An actuated castellation plate with tree-shaped teeth that can transfer between open and closed states, positioned along the currency passageway, traps any string-like member attached to a bill, preventing extraction and enhancing security without requiring significant upgrades to existing machines.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a traditional hook array is used to prevent string fraud, then it can trap thin string-like members, but it becomes ineffective against wide tails attached to bills
Solution Approach 1:
The castellation plate is designed to be movable between an open position (allowing bill passage) and a closed position (blocking the passageway). This dynamic mechanism adapts to detect and respond to fraud attempts: during normal operation the plate remains open, but when a string-like member or wide tail triggers the mechanism, the plate closes to prevent bill extraction, thereby maintaining effectiveness against evolving fraud techniques
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the operational state parameter of the castellation plate from static to dynamic, and modifies the geometric parameter of the teeth structure to create interlocking engagement. The teeth on the castellation plate are designed to engage with corresponding grooves on the bill, creating a mechanical interlock that prevents removal when the plate closes, thus adapting the system's response characteristics to counter new fraud methods
2Reliability
If an actuated castellation plate with teeth is introduced to improve fraud detection, then string-like members are trapped effectively, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The castellation plate mechanism is designed to be self-actuating through the interaction between the teeth and the bill or string-like member. When a fraud attempt occurs, the mechanical interaction between the teeth and the interfering object automatically triggers the plate to close, eliminating the need for external sensors, actuators, or control systems. This self-service approach maintains high reliability while minimizing added complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The teeth on the castellation plate serve as an intermediary mechanical element that translates the presence of a string-like member or wide tail into the closing action. Rather than requiring complex detection and actuation systems, the teeth directly engage with the fraudulent object and mechanically drive the plate to the closed position, simplifying the overall system architecture
3Reliability
If the castellation plate is positioned along the currency passageway to trap strings, then fraud is prevented, but it may obstruct normal bill flow
Solution Approach 1:
The castellation plate dynamically transitions between open and closed positions based on operational conditions. During normal bill transport, the plate remains in the open position, allowing smooth bill flow without obstruction. When fraud is detected through mechanical interaction with the teeth, the plate closes to prevent extraction. This dynamic positioning resolves the contradiction between fraud prevention and operational smoothness
Solution Approach 2:
The castellation plate is positioned in advance along the currency passageway at a location where it can intercept string-like members before they reach the bill storage assembly. The teeth are pre-configured to engage with potential fraudulent objects, and the plate is held in readiness to close. This preliminary positioning and preparation enable the system to prevent fraud before it can be completed, while maintaining normal operation when no threat is present
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
Effectively prevents string fraud by ensuring that any attached strings or tails are trapped, reducing the likelihood of successful theft attempts and allowing for easy retrofitting of existing vending and gaming machines at a low cost.
Implementation Method 1
a spring mechanism coupled to the currency storage assembly and the receptacle of the baseplate, the spring mechanism being configured to transfer the castellation plate to the open state
Data Source
AI summary
An actuated castellation plate can be arranged across a length of a currency passageway of a currency acceptor assembly and configured in an open state. Pressure from an attempted string fraud, such as pulling in reverse a bill across the castellation plate, can actuate the castellation plate to a closed state, obstructing the currency passageway so that the bait bill cannot be retrieved. Embodiments can include a currency acceptor including a currency passageway, mounting assembly, currency storage assembly having an entrance, the currency passageway being arranged to guide a currency denomination to the entrance of the currency storage assembly, and an actuated castellation plate including an array of teeth coupled to a baseplate including a receptacle and two opposing mounting ends, the castellation plate being configured at the entrance of the cashbox assembly to transfer between an open and closed state. Related apparatus, systems, techniques, and articles are also described.