Adjustable ATM Note Pocket with Dynamic Lifter and Clamp
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current note dispensing and receiving pockets in self-service terminals, such as ATMs, pose accessibility concerns for customers with disabilities and security concerns due to lack of visibility and protrusion, making it difficult for users to insert or retrieve notes without fear of the shutter closing.
Innovation Solution
An adjustable pocket device with a shutter, lifter, pusher plate, and ceiling clamp, controlled by a controller, which moves the ceiling clamp to an open position to dispense notes, biases them against the pusher plate, and raises the lifter to expose the notes for easy removal, enhancing visibility and accessibility.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the pocket is designed with a shutter mechanism to secure notes, then security is improved, but accessibility and visibility for users is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The pocket device employs dynamic components including a movable ceiling clamp that can open and close, a pusher plate that moves forward and backward, and a lifter that raises and lowers. These dynamic elements allow the system to transition between secure closed states and accessible open states, resolving the contradiction between security and ease of operation
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary actions by automatically opening the ceiling clamp and raising the lifter to present notes to the user before they need to access them. This eliminates the need for users to reach into the pocket, providing preliminary exposure of notes for easy retrieval while maintaining security when not in use
2Reliability
If the pocket is designed with a shutter to conceal notes, then customer security is improved, but visibility of notes for users is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The ceiling clamp provides dynamic control over note visibility, transitioning between closed (secure) and open (visible) states. When opened, notes become visible and accessible to users; when closed, notes are concealed for security. This dynamic state change resolves the contradiction between security and visibility
Solution Approach 2:
The lifter acts as an intermediary mechanism that raises notes from the pocket cavity to an accessible position where they can be seen and retrieved by users. This intermediary action provides visibility without requiring users to reach into the concealed pocket space
3Reliability
If the pocket is positioned at standard height for security, then security is improved, but accessibility for wheelchair users is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The lifter mechanism dynamically adjusts the vertical position of notes, raising them from the standard-height pocket to an elevated accessible position. This dynamic height adjustment allows wheelchair users and others with accessibility needs to retrieve notes easily while maintaining the security benefits of the standard-positioned pocket
Solution Approach 2:
The lifter serves as an intermediary that bridges the height gap between the standard-positioned pocket and the reachable area for wheelchair users. By mechanically raising notes to an intermediate height, it provides accessibility without requiring the pocket itself to be repositioned
Data Source
AI summary
Various embodiments herein include a pocket to receive tendered notes and to dispense notes from a terminal, such as an automated teller machine. The pocket may include a shutter, a lifter opposite the shutter, a pusher plate between and perpendicular to the shutter and lifter, and a ceiling clamp. The pocket also includes a controller that causes the terminal to perform actions when dispensing notes including moving the ceiling clamp to an open position and providing an output triggering dispensing of notes into the pocket. The actions further include moving the ceiling clamp to a closed position, moving the pusher plate to bias notes present within the pocket against the ceiling clamp and raising the lifter from a lower position to an upper position thereby lifting notes present between the pusher plate and the ceiling clamp. The shutter is then opened to expose and dispense the notes.