ATM Rear-Load Module Safety Coupling Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Automated teller machines (ATMs) face challenges during maintenance operations, particularly with rearload devices, where maintenance workers risk injury due to the inability to see the front of the device and recognize pinched body parts during module removal and reinsertion, leading to potential serious injuries.
Innovation Solution
An ATM design with a movable module and a security device that includes a closure element, coupling device, and blocking device, allowing the module to be safely moved between positions while ensuring the opening is completely closed, providing haptic feedback and monitoring the closing force to prevent injuries.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the module is pulled out from the rear of the device for maintenance, then the maintenance worker can service the module without disturbing customers, but the maintenance worker cannot see the front of the device and may not recognize pinched body parts, leading to injury risks
Solution Approach 1:
The closure element is moved to close the opening before the module is pulled out for maintenance. This preliminary action eliminates the hazard of body parts being pinched between the module and housing during rear maintenance operations, while still allowing the maintenance worker to access and service the module from the rear without disturbing customers.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If an electrically controlled cover is used to close the opening during maintenance, then the opening can be kept closed, but the cover cannot be securely closed when the machine is de-energized and requires larger space
Solution Approach 1:
The closure element is mechanically coupled to the module through a coupling device so that when the module is pulled out or pushed in, the closure element automatically moves to open or close the opening. This self-service mechanism eliminates the need for separate electrical controls, power supplies, and control systems, while ensuring the opening is reliably closed during maintenance operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The function of closing the opening is merged with the module movement function. The coupling device transfers the linear movement of the module to the closure element, combining two functions (module access and opening closure) into a single integrated mechanism, thereby reducing device complexity and space requirements.
3Device complexity
If the closure element is mechanically coupled to the module to automatically close the opening, then the mechanism is structurally simple and space-saving, but the closing force must be monitored to prevent injury
Solution Approach 1:
A force sensor is integrated into the coupling device to monitor the closing force applied by the closure element. When the closing force exceeds a predetermined threshold (indicating potential pinching of body parts), the sensor triggers an emergency stop that prevents further movement of the module and opens the locking mechanism. This feedback mechanism maintains the simplicity of the mechanical coupling while eliminating the injury hazard through automated force monitoring and emergency stop functionality.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2A~2F
Figure 3
AI summary
An automated teller machine (1) for paying in and/or paying out cash is disclosed, having: a housing (100) that has an opening (102) facing a front (V) of the automated teller machine (1), a module (30) that is mobile between a first position (P301), in which it is arranged directly adjacent to the opening (102), and a second position (P302), in which it is accessible from a rear (R) of the automated teller machine (1), and a security device (50) for sealing and unsealing the opening (102), which has the following: a sealing element (500) that is mobile between a first position (P5001), in which it unseals the opening (102), and a second position (P5002), in which it completely seals the opening (102), a coupling device (502) that is set up to transfer a reverse movement of the module (30) from its first position (P301) in the direction (A) of its second position (P302) to the sealing element (500) such that the latter moves from its first position (P5001) to its second position (P5002), and a blocking device (504) that has a blocked position, in which it blocks a forward movement of the module in the direction (E) of its first position (P301) until the module (30), in its reverse movement, has reached a third position (P303) situated between its first position (P301) and second position (P302), and an enabled position, in which it enables the forward movement of the module (30) from its third position (P303) in the direction of its first position (P301), the sealing element (500) being in its second position (P5002) in the third position (P303) of the module (30).