Arc-Shaped Conveying Paths for Bill Jam Reduction

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional automatic transaction devices experience efficiency deterioration due to bill jams at connections of conveying paths, particularly when paths change direction suddenly, leading to congestion and reduced conveying efficiency.

Innovation Solution

The implementation of at least three conveying paths with partial segments formed in an arc shape, along with switching portions that connect these paths such that the outer sides of arcs face each other, allowing for smooth path switching without sudden direction changes, thereby reducing jam occurrences and maintaining efficiency.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Device complexity

If conveying paths are connected with sudden direction changes, then the device structure becomes simpler, but bill jams occur frequently at connection points

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconveying path structureVSAvoidconveying efficiency

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The conveying paths are designed with arc-shaped segments instead of sharp angles, creating curved transition zones that guide bills smoothly from one path to another. This curvature eliminates sudden direction changes that cause jams, while the paths connect at angles of 90 degrees or less through these gradual arc transitions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #14Spheroidality (Curvature)

2Length of moving object

If conveying paths change direction suddenly at connection points, then the path length is shortened, but bill congestion and jams occur

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconveying path lengthVSAvoidconveying smoothness

Core Design Contradiction:

Length of moving objectVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

Arc-shaped segments are introduced at connection points to create smooth curved transitions between conveying paths. These arcs allow bills to change direction gradually rather than abruptly, preventing congestion and jams while maintaining relatively short path lengths through efficient geometric design.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #14Spheroidality (Curvature)

3Area of stationary object

If multiple conveying paths are connected at angles of 90 degrees or less, then space utilization is improved, but the likelihood of bill jams increases at connection points

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedevice footprintVSAvoidconveying reliability

Core Design Contradiction:

Area of stationary objectVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The invention uses arc-shaped segments to create smooth curved transitions at connection points where conveying paths meet at angles of 90 degrees or less. This allows compact space utilization with efficient angular connections while the curved arcs prevent bill jams by eliminating sharp direction changes.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #14Spheroidality (Curvature)

Solution Approach 2:

The arc-shaped segments act as intermediary transition zones between straight conveying path segments. These curved intermediaries facilitate smooth bill flow from one path to another at angular connections, preventing jams while enabling compact device layout.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentUS8857598B2Paper sheet conveying device and automatic cash transaction device

Publication Date: 2014.10.14 OKI ELECTRIC INDUSTRY CO LTD

AI summary

There is provided a paper sheet conveying device of the present invention has: at least three or more conveying paths that are for conveying paper sheets and at each of which at least a partial segment is formed in an arc shape; and at least one or more switching portions for switching the conveying path that conveys the paper sheets, wherein the plural conveying paths are disposed such that two connection positions of each of the arc-shaped segments are connected to the connection position of the arc-shaped segment of a respectively different one of the conveying paths such that outer sides of arcs face one another, and the switching portion switches the conveying path that conveys the paper sheets, at a place of connection of the plural conveying paths.