ATM Bill Stopper Linkage for Secure High-Capacity Cash Handling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional ATMs are either weak in security and limit the amount of media that can be deposited/withdrawn at once, or require users to insert their hands into the machine, which is culturally unacceptable and insecure.
Innovation Solution
An automated teller machine (ATM) with a bill stopper and a link unit that allows for a simple and secure deposit/withdrawal mechanism, where a rotatable bill stopper is opened and closed using a link unit with a driving wheel and gear system, enabling easy operation without additional locking units and enhancing security.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a pocket type deposit/withdrawal unit is used, then security is improved and larger amounts of media can be handled, but users must insert their hands into the machine which is culturally unacceptable and insecure
Solution Approach 1:
A tray unit serves as an intermediary component between the user and the deposit/withdrawal unit. The tray can be inserted into and removed from the deposit/withdrawal unit without requiring the user to insert their hand into the machine. This mediator allows secure handling of media while maintaining user comfort and cultural acceptability.
2Ease of operation
If a present type deposit/withdrawal unit is used, then user comfort is improved as no hand insertion is needed, but security is weakened and the number of media that can be deposited/withdrawn at one time is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The deposit/withdrawal unit is segmented into multiple storage pockets that can hold different amounts of media. The tray unit is also segmented to work with these pockets. This segmentation allows the system to handle larger amounts of media securely while maintaining the present-type interface that does not require hand insertion.
3Reliability
If additional locking units are added to prevent unintentional opening/closing of the bill stopper, then security is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The link unit is designed to automatically open or close the bill stopper based on the insertion or removal of the tray unit, without requiring additional locking units or complex control mechanisms. The mechanical linkage itself provides the security function by ensuring the bill stopper state corresponds to the tray state, eliminating the need for separate locking systems.
4Device complexity
If the bill stopper is made easily operable without additional locking units, then device complexity is reduced, but security may be compromised due to potential unintentional opening/closing
Solution Approach 1:
The bill stopper is designed as a dynamic component that automatically changes state (open/closed) based on the tray unit's position. The link unit creates a mechanical dependency where the bill stopper's state is dynamically coupled to the tray's insertion/removal status. This dynamic design provides security through state correspondence rather than through static locking mechanisms.
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
The solution addresses the security concerns and capacity limitations of conventional ATMs by providing a secure and efficient mechanism for depositing and withdrawing media without requiring users to insert their hands, while allowing for larger transactions without unintentional opening or closing.
Implementation Method 1
a link unit configured to open and close the bill stopper by providing a rotational force to the bill stopper
Implementation Method 2
a link unit with a driving wheel and gear system
Data Source
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AI summary
An automated teller machine comprises a main body; a deposit/withdrawal unit provided at one side in the main body and configured to separate and stack a medium; a customer service unit provided at a front side of the main body and configured to receive a medium from a user; and a tray unit configured to transfer a medium between the deposit/withdrawal unit and the customer service unit while reciprocating therebetween. The deposit/withdrawal unit includes a bill stopper that is rotatably provided to open and close an opening of the deposit/withdrawal unit through which the tray unit passes; and a link unit configured to open and close the bill stopper by providing a rotational force to the bill stopper.