Single-Plug Adapter for ATM Module Maintenance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Maintenance of automatic teller machines (ATMs) and similar devices is complicated due to the need to individually plug and unplug multiple electrical lines, making it time-consuming and difficult, especially when access is limited or without visual contact.
Innovation Solution
A device with an adapter that allows connection to all necessary electrical lines via a single plug, using a compact design with strategically arranged connectors and guide elements for easy alignment and secure attachment, enabling quick and simple maintenance by connecting only one main connector.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If multiple individual electrical connectors are used to connect each electrical line separately, then reliable electrical connection is achieved, but maintenance becomes time-consuming and complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple individual electrical connectors into a single integrated connector assembly. The adapter unit incorporates multiple contact elements that simultaneously establish electrical connections for power supply, control signals, and data transmission when a single connector is plugged in, eliminating the need to individually connect multiple separate electrical lines during maintenance operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The single connector design serves multiple functions simultaneously - it provides power supply connection, control signal transmission, and data communication all through one interface. This multi-functional connector replaces what would traditionally require multiple separate connectors, simplifying the maintenance process while maintaining all necessary electrical connections.
2Reliability
If multiple individual electrical connectors are used for each electrical line, then proper signal and power transmission is ensured, but the maintenance process becomes difficult without visual contact
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple electrical connection functions are merged into a single connector interface that can be easily located and operated. The unified connector design consolidates what would otherwise be multiple difficult-to-access individual connectors, allowing maintenance personnel to establish all necessary electrical connections through one accessible interface even without visual contact.
3Ease of repair
If a single adapter connector is used to connect all electrical lines, then maintenance time is reduced, but the adapter design becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The adapter is designed as a separate, modular unit that interfaces between the module and the device's electrical lines. This segmentation allows the complex multi-contact adapter structure to be manufactured and tested independently, then simply plugged into the module during maintenance. The complexity is isolated to the replaceable adapter component rather than being integrated into the permanent module structure.
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a device (10) for handling value documents, comprising a first module (16a). In an operating state, said module is connected to a voltage supply unit (26) in an electrically conductive manner via a first electric line and to a second module (16b) in an electrically conductive manner via a second electric line. The first module (16a) is not connected to either the first electric line or to the second electric line in a maintenance state. The device (10) comprises an adapter (30a) comprising a third plug connector (40) that is designed to be complementary to a first plug connector of the first electric line, a fourth plug connector (44) that is designed to be complementary to a second plug connector of the second electric line, and at least one fifth plug connector (48). The fifth plug connector (48) is connected to the third plug connector (40) and the fourth plug connector (44) in an electrically conductive manner. The first module comprises a sixth plug connector (50) that is designed to be complementary to the fifth plug connector (48), wherein the fifth plug connector (48) is connected to the sixth plug connector (50) in an electrically conductive manner in the operating state. Electric energy that can be transmitted via the first electric line as well as electric signals that can be transmitted via the second electric line can be transmitted via the plug connection formed between said plug connectors (48, 50).