ATM Guide Element for Automatic Note Alignment

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Automated teller machines face challenges in aligning notes of value during stacking, leading to protrusions that cause transport issues and an unsightly output, requiring manual adjustment of guide elements for different denominations and sizes, which is complex and inefficient.

Innovation Solution

A device with a guide element mounted on the pushing plate that adjusts automatically with the plate's position, allowing precise alignment of notes without manual intervention, using a control unit to determine optimal positions based on note size and denomination, minimizing space and costs.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Manufacturing precision

If manual adjustment of guide elements is implemented to adapt to different note sizes, then alignment precision is improved, but device complexity and operation time increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvealignment precisionVSAvoidadjustment complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The guide element is made movable relative to the support element, allowing its position to be dynamically adjusted based on the size of notes being stacked. The guide element can shift between a first position for larger notes and a second position for smaller notes, enabling the system to adapt to different denominations without complex manual reconfiguration.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system automatically determines the appropriate guide element position based on the denomination being stacked, eliminating the need for manual intervention. The control unit selects between different guide element positions according to the note size, making the adjustment process autonomous and simplifying operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

2Manufacturing precision

If guide elements are positioned for largest denomination, then alignment is improved for large notes, but smaller notes cannot be properly received

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvealignment precisionVSAvoiddenomination adaptability
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The guide element's position is dynamically changed according to the denomination being stacked. For larger denominations, the guide element is positioned further from the support element to accommodate their size, while for smaller denominations, it moves closer to provide appropriate guidance, ensuring optimal alignment for each note type.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The position parameter of the guide element is changed based on the note denomination. The system adjusts the spatial relationship between the guide element and the support element to match the dimensions of the notes being stacked, allowing the same physical component to serve multiple denomination types effectively.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Productivity

If high stacking speed is used to minimize waiting period, then productivity is improved, but alignment precision deteriorates due to note protrusions

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestacking speedVSAvoidstacking alignment
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The system replaces manual mechanical adjustment of guide elements with an automated control system that electronically determines and positions the guide element based on denomination data. This substitution maintains high stacking speeds while ensuring precise alignment through automated position selection.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The guide element position is determined in advance based on the denomination information before the stacking process begins. The control unit pre-selects the appropriate position, allowing the stacking operation to proceed at high speed without interruptions for manual alignment adjustments.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentEP3229213B1Device for the output of notes of value with an adjustable guide element
Publication Date: 2018.09.12 WINCOR NIXDORF INT GMBH
  • EP3229213B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3229213B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3229213B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The invention relates to a device (10) for the output of notes of value, which comprises a stacking unit (26) for stacking notes of value to a value note stack (68), an output compartment (28) for the output of the value note stack (68) to a user of the device (10), as well as a transport unit (24) with a pushing plate (80) for the transport of the value note stack (68) from the stacking unit (26) to the output compartment (28). A guide element (10) which serves for guiding the notes of value during the stacking of the notes of value by the stacking unit (26) is mounted on the pushing plate (80).