ATM Drawer Positioning via Optical Lock Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Automatic teller machines (ATMs) face issues with banknote conveyance reliability due to improper positioning of the drawer, leading to potential jams and reduced device reliability.
Innovation Solution
A drawer device equipped with an interlock switch, lock portion, lock detection sensor, and control unit that detects and distinguishes between locked, half-locked, and pulled-out states, enhancing positional precision and preventing misalignment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the drawer is pushed into the housing and positioned in a predetermined storage position, then the banknotes can be conveyed on the conveyance path, but the drawer may not be properly positioned leading to banknote jams and reduced reliability
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical positioning verification with optical sensing. A sensor detects the drawer's position by sensing a mark or feature on the drawer, converting a mechanical positioning problem into an optical detection problem. This allows for more precise measurement of drawer position compared to mechanical switches or interlocks.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the sensor continuously monitors drawer position and provides information to the control unit. The control unit can then adjust or prevent operations based on the detected position, ensuring the drawer is properly positioned before banknote conveyance begins. This closed-loop feedback system improves positioning precision and reliability.
2Measurement precision
If simple positioning detection is used, then the device structure remains simple, but the drawer position cannot be accurately determined leading to conveyance failures
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex mechanical positioning mechanisms with a simpler optical sensor system. Instead of using multiple mechanical switches, interlocks, or complex mechanical linkages to detect drawer position, the system uses an optical sensor that detects visual marks or features on the drawer. This reduces mechanical complexity while improving detection accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an optical field as an intermediary between the drawer and the detection system. Rather than direct mechanical contact or electrical connection, the optical field mediates the detection process by reflecting or transmitting light based on the drawer's position. This intermediary approach simplifies the overall system while enabling precise measurement.
Data Source
AI summary
A banknote deposit and withdrawal machine uses an interlock switch to detect whether or not a lower unit has been pulled out from a safe housing, uses a lock sensor to detect at least two states among a locked state, a half-locked state, and a pulled-out state, and uses a banknote control unit to distinguish between the three states of the locked state, the half-locked state, and the pulled-out state on the basis of the result of detection by the interlock switch and the result of detection by the lock sensor.