ATM IC Reader Protrusion and Concave Removal Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
The operation panel structure of automatic teller machines faces difficulty in easily removing non-contact IC media, such as small and thin IC cards, due to the wide non-contact IC readers that struggle to hold various-sized media securely, making it hard for users to lift the cards from the reader.
Innovation Solution
The operation panel structure incorporates elongated protrusions and concave portions around the IC reader, allowing the IC medium to be placed with a wedge-like configuration, enabling easy removal by tilting the card away from the surface, preventing it from falling and allowing users to pinch and remove it with their fingertips.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the non-contact IC reader is made wide to accommodate various sizes of IC media, then the reader can read media of different sizes, but it becomes difficult for users to pinch and remove small and thin IC cards from the reader
Solution Approach 1:
The reader surface is segmented into multiple functional zones: a wide reading area to accommodate various IC media sizes, and a separate concave portion positioned at the edge to facilitate easy removal. This segmentation allows the reader to maintain versatility while providing a dedicated removal mechanism that solves the pinching difficulty.
Solution Approach 2:
The concave portion acts as an intermediary structure between the IC media and the user's finger. When a user presses down on the IC card, the concave portion mediates this action by providing a mechanical advantage that pivots the card, enabling easy removal without requiring the user to directly pinch the card edges.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the non-contact IC reader is made wide to accommodate various sizes of IC media, then the reader can read media of different sizes, but small and thin IC cards are difficult to hold securely
Solution Approach 1:
The reader surface is divided into a large flat reading area for secure placement of various media sizes and a separate concave portion for removal assistance. This segmentation ensures that the reading area maintains sufficient surface area for reliable contact with small IC cards while the concave portion provides a dedicated mechanism for easy removal.
Solution Approach 2:
Different portions of the reader surface have different local qualities: the main reading area provides a large flat surface for secure holding of various media, while the concave portion provides a localized mechanical advantage for removal. This local quality differentiation allows the reader to simultaneously achieve reliable holding and easy removal.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the non-contact IC reader is made wide to accommodate various sizes of IC media, then the reader can read media of different sizes, but it becomes difficult to prevent accidental insertion into the cash port
Solution Approach 1:
The reader area is segmented from the cash port area by the concave portion structure. This spatial segmentation creates a clear physical boundary that prevents IC media from accidentally sliding into the cash port while maintaining the wide reading area necessary for accommodating various media sizes.
Solution Approach 2:
The concave portion serves as an intermediary structure that mediates between the IC media placement area and the cash port. It provides a controlled transition zone that prevents accidental insertion while allowing intentional removal operations to proceed smoothly.
Data Source
AI summary
An operation panel structure includes a panel member provided with an IC reader on which an IC medium may be placed. An upper surface portion of the panel member is provided with an elongated protrusion extending along, and in the vicinity of an edge among a front edge, a back edge, a left edge and a right edge of the IC reader, and a concave portion extending in an extending direction of the elongated protrusion, at a position of a side on which the IC medium may be placed with respect to the elongated protrusion.