Angled Retaining Element for Note Cassette Space Optimization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing devices for handling notes of value, such as automatic cash registers and ATMs, face inefficiencies in maximizing the capacity of note cassettes due to the need to shift stacks of notes, reducing available space and limiting the number of notes that can be accommodated.
Innovation Solution
The feed module moves the retaining element along a path angled to the stacking direction, allowing notes to be fed into the cassette without pressing the stack deeper, thus optimizing the use of available space and enabling more notes to be stored without altering the cassette dimensions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the retaining element is positioned to hold the stack of notes in the receiving area, then the notes are securely retained, but the contact area of the retaining element reduces the available space for storing notes
Solution Approach 1:
The retaining element is moved along a travel path that is angled relative to the stacking direction, transitioning from a position where it contacts the notes in the receiving area to a feed position where it is adjacent to the feed area. This dimensional change in positioning allows the retaining element to perform its retention function without permanently occupying space in the receiving area, thereby resolving the contradiction between secure retention and available storage space.
Solution Approach 2:
The retaining element is made movable along a defined travel path between a retaining position and a feed position. This dynamic positioning allows the system to optimize space utilization by moving the retaining element out of the way during feeding operations while maintaining its retention function when needed, thus resolving the space contradiction.
2Area of stationary object
If the retaining element is moved along a path angled to the stacking direction, then the available space is optimized, but the mechanism complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The retaining element serves multiple functions: it retains notes in the receiving area, guides notes during feeding, and can be positioned in different locations along its travel path. This multi-functionality justifies the added mechanism complexity by eliminating the need for separate retention and feeding components, thereby optimizing space while maintaining functional efficiency.
3Productivity
If the entire stack of notes is shifted by the length of the contact areas of the retaining elements, then the notes can be fed, but the maximum capacity of the cassette is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of shifting the entire stack of notes in the stacking direction by the length of the retaining element contact areas, the retaining element itself is moved along an angled travel path to a feed position. This dimensional change in the retention mechanism's positioning allows notes to be fed without reducing the cassette capacity, as the retaining element does not need to be as long as the stack shift distance would require.
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
This design allows for the maximum possible number of notes to be accommodated in the cassette, ensuring the entire receiving area is utilized, and enables quick and efficient feeding of multiple notes, either as stacks or individually, without hindrance.
Implementation Method 1
By moving the retaining element along a travel path at an angle to the stacking direction, in which a note of value to be fed to the stack of notes is transported from the feed area to the note receiving area
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a device (10) for handling value notes, comprising a feed module (1000) for feeding value notes to a value note receiving region (1004) of a value note cassette (16a to 16d), wherein the value notes can be received in the value note receiving region (1004) in the form of value note stacks (1006). The feed module (1000) comprises at least one retaining element (1008, 1010), which in a retaining position makes contact with an end-face value note of the value note stack (1006) and holds the value note stack (1006) in the value note receiving region (1004). In a feeding position, the retaining element (1008, 1010) is arranged such that a value note can be fed to the value note stack (1006). The retaining element (1008, 1010) can be moved along a movement path obliquely to the stacking direction (P3), in which a value note that is to be fed to the value note stack (1006) is fed to the value note stack (1006), from the retaining position into the feeding position, and vice versa.