ATM Cash Box Auto-Locking Mechanism for Hands-Free Handling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing automated teller machines require manual operation of complex and costly locking mechanisms for cash box insertion and removal, limiting ease of use and increasing complexity and cost.
Innovation Solution
A movable locking element on the receiving compartment wall automatically transitions between locked and unlocked positions upon contact with the cash box, allowing for hands-free operation and a simplified, cost-efficient design.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a manual locking mechanism is used for cash boxes in receiving compartments, then the locking function can be achieved, but the operation becomes more difficult and the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The locking element is designed to automatically lock the cash box when it is inserted into the receiving compartment and automatically unlock when removed, without requiring manual operation. The locking element uses the insertion/removal motion of the cash box itself to trigger the locking/unlocking action, making the system self-serving and eliminating the need for separate manual locking operations.
2Reliability
If a manual locking mechanism is used for cash boxes, then the locking function can be achieved, but the device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts the manual operation requirement from the locking mechanism, reducing it to a simple automatic system that uses the cash box insertion/removal motion itself to trigger locking/unlocking. This eliminates complex actuators, motors, or control systems that would be needed for manual operation, significantly simplifying the overall device structure and reducing costs.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking element automatically performs the locking and unlocking functions based on the cash box position, without requiring external control systems, motors, or complex mechanisms. The system uses the mechanical motion of cash box insertion and removal to directly actuate the locking element, eliminating the need for additional actuators or control electronics.
3Device complexity
If manual unlocking is required for cash box removal, then the locking mechanism can be simple, but one hand is occupied making handling difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The locking element automatically unlocks when the cash box is removed from the receiving compartment, using the removal motion itself to trigger the unlocking action. This eliminates the need for the operator to use one hand to manually unlock while simultaneously holding the cash box with the other hand, enabling completely hands-free operation during cash box handling.
Data Source
AI summary
An automated teller machine (10) has at least one receiving compartment (12 to 18) for receiving a cash box (102). At least one locking element (24, 26) is provided on a wall (20, 22) of the receiving compartment (12 to 18) and is movable between a locked and an unlocked position. The locking element (24, 26) is designed and mounted such that, when a cash box (102) is inserted the locking element (24, 26), the locking element (24, 26) is moved automatically from the unlocked into the locked position by contact with an engagement element (104) of the cash box (102).