ATM Display Unit Return Mechanism for Collision Prevention

Solution Overview

Problem

Automated teller machines (ATMs) often experience damage to their front panels and display units due to improper closure during maintenance, where the display unit is not returned to its original position before the front panel is closed, leading to collisions and potential breakdowns.

Innovation Solution

The ATM is designed with a guide unit and link mechanism that automatically returns the display unit to its original position when the front panel is closed, utilizing a horizontal and inclined slit system, elastic members, and a link unit with retracting members to ensure safe closure and reduce impact through dampers.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If the front panel is opened to perform maintenance operation, then the display unit can be accessed and maintained, but the display unit may not be returned to original position causing collision damage when closing the panel

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemaintenance operationVSAvoiddamage prevention

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The link unit is pre-configured to automatically return the display unit to its original position when the front panel is closed. This preliminary action ensures that even if the operator forgets to manually return the display unit, the mechanism will do so automatically, preventing collision damage between the display unit and front panel.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system performs self-service by automatically returning the display unit to its correct position through the link unit mechanism. This eliminates the need for manual intervention to ensure proper positioning, making the system self-correcting and preventing operator error from causing damage.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

2Ease of operation

If the display unit is moved frontward during maintenance, then maintenance access is improved, but collision with front panel occurs when panel is closed without returning display unit

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemaintenance accessVSAvoidcollision damage

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The link unit acts as an intermediary mechanism between the display unit and the front panel closure action. When the front panel is closed, the link unit mediates by automatically returning the display unit to its original position, preventing direct collision between the display unit and the front panel.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The link unit applies preliminary anti-action by counteracting the potential harmful effect of collision before it can occur. When the front panel begins to close, the mechanism preemptively returns the display unit to its correct position, neutralizing the risk of damage before the collision could happen.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #9Preliminary anti-action

3Manufacturing precision

If manual return of display unit is required before closing panel, then precise positioning is achieved, but operation time and complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedisplay unit positioningVSAvoidmaintenance time

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs self-service by automatically returning the display unit to its correct position through the link unit mechanism. This eliminates the need for manual intervention to ensure proper positioning, making the system self-correcting and preventing operator error from causing damage.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The link unit is pre-configured to automatically return the display unit to its original position when the front panel is closed. This preliminary action ensures that even if the operator forgets to manually return the display unit, the mechanism will do so automatically, preventing collision damage between the display unit and front panel.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

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

Prevents damage to the front panel and display unit by ensuring the display unit is returned to its original position during closure, reducing the risk of collision and enhancing maintenance efficiency while minimizing impact during panel operation.

Implementation Method 1

an elastic member, having one end connected to the display unit and the other end connected to the guide unit, wherein when the display unit is moved frontward from the guide unit, an elastic force of the elastic member acts on the display unit

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElastic force: Elasticity

Implementation Method 2

a first damper, provided at an upper sidewall of the main frame, rotatably connected to the mounting unit, configured to reduce impact that may be generated when the front panel is opened or closed

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectImpact reduction: Damping

Data Source

PatentUS9805559B2Automated teller machine

Publication Date: 2017.10.31 HYOSUNG TNS INC

AI summary

Embodiments of the present disclosure provides an automated teller machine comprising: a main frame; a display unit provided in the main frame; a front panel rotatably installed at the main frame; a mounting unit connecting the front panel rotatably to the main frame; a guide unit configured to guide frontward/backward movement of the display unit; and a link unit, rotatably connected to the mounting unit, configured to return the display unit that has been moved frontward to an original position when the front panel starts to be closed.