ATM Cassette Loading Section with Protective Connector

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Solution Overview

Problem

Automated teller machines (ATMs) face challenges with heavy storage cassettes containing thousands of banknotes, requiring sturdy slide rails that increase space and cost, due to the weight of the cassettes.

Innovation Solution

A medium processing device with a storage cassette supported by a loading section and slide rail system, where the loading section moves between the interior and exterior of the ATM, and a connector electrically connects the storage cassette to the loading section, reducing the weight of movable parts and simplifying the slide rail configuration.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Strength

If sturdy slide rails are employed to support heavy storage cassettes (30-40 kg), then the reliability and load-bearing capacity are improved, but the space requirement and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveload-bearing capacity of slide railsVSAvoidspace required for slide rails

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The support function is segmented between the loading section (which supports the cassette during loading/unloading operations) and the slide rails (which only guide movement). This segmentation allows the slide rails to be lighter and more compact while the loading section provides the necessary load-bearing capacity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The loading section acts as an intermediary between the storage cassette and the slide rails. It absorbs the weight and load-bearing requirements, allowing the slide rails to function as lightweight guide elements rather than primary support structures.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If the connector is positioned to electrically connect the loading section and storage cassette, then electrical connectivity is achieved, but the connector becomes vulnerable to impact damage from the storage cassette

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveelectrical connectivityVSAvoidimpact damage risk to connector

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The protective portion is pre-configured in a fixed position that protrudes beyond the connector in the opposite direction of cassette insertion. This preliminary protective structure prevents direct impact contact with the connector before the cassette can reach it.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The protective portion serves as a cushioning element that absorbs and redirects impact forces away from the connector. By being positioned to protrude further than the connector, it provides beforehand protection against the harmful impact effect.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

Data Source

PatentUS9947182B2Medium processing device and medium transaction device

Publication Date: 2018.04.17 OKI ELECTRIC INDUSTRY CO LTD

AI summary

A medium processing device includes a storage cassette, a casing for storing the storage cassette, a loading section that supports the storage cassette, a slide rail attached to the casing and the loading section, and that allows the loading section to move between the interior and the exterior of the internal space, and a connector. The connector is outside of a pass-through region through which the storage cassette passes in a case where loading the storage cassette into the loading hole of the loading section, and that, when the storage cassette has been loaded into the loading hole and is supported by the loading section, electrically connects the loading section and the storage cassette together. A protective portion is at the loading section, and protrudes out further than the connector in an opposite direction opposite to a loading direction in which the storage cassette is loaded into the loading hole.