Adjusting Bolt Contours for Module Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing self-service devices, such as ATMs, face challenges in adjusting the installation position of modules to maintain a precise distance between the transfer module and other modules, leading to high adjustment effort and potential blockages or wear due to tolerance deviations and misalignment of gears, which can result in failure during note value transport.
Innovation Solution
A device with an adjusting bolt and recess system allows for easy adjustment of the distance between the transfer module and the second module by selecting different adjustment contours, enabling precise alignment within a target range, and includes display elements for easy selection and locking mechanisms for secure positioning.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the distance between the transfer module and the second module is reduced to prevent blockages, then the reliability of note transport is improved, but the adjustment effort and complexity increase due to tolerance chain accumulation
Solution Approach 1:
The adjusting bolt is segmented into multiple adjustment contours (first, second, third contours) at different radial distances from the axis, allowing the transfer module to be positioned at multiple discrete distance levels from the second module. This segmentation enables systematic adjustment to overcome tolerance accumulation without requiring complex continuous adjustment mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The adjustment mechanism transitions from attempting to adjust all modules in a multi-dimensional tolerance chain to focusing adjustment solely in the radial dimension at the transfer module. By changing only the radial position of the transfer module relative to the second module, the patent simplifies the adjustment process while maintaining reliable note transport.
2Manufacturing precision
If the distance between the transfer module and the second module is precisely controlled to prevent gear wear, then the manufacturing precision is improved, but the ease of manufacture deteriorates due to tight tolerance requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The adjusting bolt provides discrete parameter changes in the distance between the transfer module and the second module through its multiple adjustment contours. Instead of requiring precise continuous positioning, the system offers several predefined distance levels, making it easier to manufacture and assemble modules while still achieving the necessary precision to prevent gear wear.
Solution Approach 2:
The adjusting bolt with its coded display elements enables operators to self-adjust the module distance without requiring specialized tools or expertise. The display elements indicate which adjustment contour corresponds to the desired distance range, allowing operators to independently achieve proper alignment during assembly or maintenance.
3Measurement precision
If manual alignment of the second module in vertical and horizontal directions is performed to achieve target distance range, then the measurement precision is improved, but the loss of time increases due to high adjustment effort
Solution Approach 1:
The adjusting bolt with its pre-configured adjustment contours performs the alignment action in advance during assembly. Instead of requiring time-consuming manual alignment and measurement during setup, the proper distance positioning is pre-established through the selection of appropriate adjustment contours, significantly reducing on-site adjustment time while maintaining measurement precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the complex mechanical alignment process (manual positioning in vertical and horizontal directions) with a simplified rotational adjustment mechanism. By substituting multi-directional mechanical alignment with a single rotational degree of freedom that selects from predefined distance levels, the system achieves the same alignment precision with much less time and effort.
Data Source
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AI summary
The device has a transfer module comprising a transfer slot for transferring valuable notes from a first module i.e. head module, to a second module i.e. vault. The transfer module is held in an operating position by a fastening unit, and forms spacing to the second module. An adjusting bolt (14) is connected with the transfer module such that the transfer module is adjustably mounted in an adjusting direction by forming different spacings to the second module, where the direction runs perpendicularly with respect to the slot and in a transfer plane of the valuable notes. An independent claim is also included for a method for adjusting installation position of modules in a self-service device.