ATM Shutter Posture Correction Mechanism

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Solution Overview

Problem

In ATMs with a double shutter structure, incorrectly inserted paper currencies can be left between the outer and inner shutters, leading to rejection when users, especially those unfamiliar with ATMs, attempt to reinsert them, as they may not know the correct posture for insertion.

Innovation Solution

A paper currency handling apparatus with a paper currency storage unit, feeder port, transport path, open/close control unit for independent shutter operation, and a paper currency posture modification unit that allows users to manually or automatically modify the posture of incorrectly placed currencies, guiding them into the correct position without reinsertion.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a double shutter structure is used to strengthen security, then security is improved, but paper currencies may be left between the shutters causing insertion failures

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovesecurityVSAvoidinsertion success rate
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

A guide member is introduced as an intermediary component between the inner and outer shutters. This guide member actively intervenes to correct the posture of paper currencies that become misplaced between the shutters, mediating the interaction between the user's insertion action and the dual-shutter mechanism to prevent insertion failures.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Ease of operation

If users manually reinsert paper currencies to correct posture, then insertion success can be achieved, but user labor and time are increased

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinsertion success rateVSAvoidreinsertion time
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The guide member enables the system to self-correct the posture of misplaced paper currencies automatically. Instead of requiring user intervention to manually reinsert and reposition the bills, the guide member performs the correction function autonomously, allowing the system to service itself and eliminating the need for user labor and additional time.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

3Ease of operation

If the space between shutters is reduced to prevent currency entrapment, then insertion reliability is improved, but security is compromised

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinsertion reliabilityVSAvoidsecurity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The guide member serves as an active intermediary that resolves the contradiction by maintaining the necessary space between shutters for security while simultaneously preventing currency entrapment. The guide member's presence and movement ensure that the gap remains functional rather than harmful, allowing both security and insertion reliability to coexist.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentEP2546809B1Paper currency handling apparatus and method of depositing paper currencies using same
Publication Date: 2018.09.12 HITACHI OMRON TERMINAL SOLUTIONS CORP
  • EP2546809B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2546809B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2546809B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A paper currency handling apparatus (101) associated with the present invention has a paper currency storage unit (50) which receives paper currencies, a feeder port (30) which enters or dispenses paper currencies by opening or closing an inner shutter (36) and an outer shutter (35), a transport path (lOx, 40x, 50x, 60x, 70x) which transports the paper currencies between the feeder port (30) and the paper currency storage unit (50), open/close control unit which controls open/close operations of the inner shutter (36) and the outer shutter (35) independently, and paper currency posture modification unit (37) which modifies the posture of paper currencies present between the outer shutter (35) and the inner shutter (36).