ATM Weatherproof Enclosure and Redundant Components for Disaster Access

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Solution Overview

Problem

Self-service devices such as ATMs and kiosks are vulnerable to extreme environmental conditions, leading to failures and loss of connectivity with central servers, resulting in reduced accessibility for users and potential looting risks.

Innovation Solution

The implementation of weatherproof and redundant components, including input and output devices, power supplies, and communication methods, along with software support for continued operation and cash management features like marking or destruction mechanisms, to ensure device availability and user access despite environmental damage and connectivity loss.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If self-service devices are operated in exposed environments, then device accessibility and ease of operation are improved, but device reliability deteriorates due to vulnerability to extreme environmental conditions

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedevice accessibilityVSAvoiddevice availability

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The device is divided into separate functional modules (input devices, output devices, mechanical transfer devices, processing units) that can be independently protected and replaced. This segmentation allows the system to maintain functionality even when individual components are damaged by environmental conditions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Weatherproof enclosures and protective structures are installed in advance to shield sensitive components from extreme environmental conditions. Redundant components are pre-configured to activate automatically when primary components fail due to environmental damage, ensuring continuous operation without interruption.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

2Reliability

If redundant components are added to the self-service device, then device reliability is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedevice availabilityVSAvoidsystem complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The redundant components are designed to automatically detect when primary components fail and activate without human intervention. The system self-manages the switching between redundant and primary components, eliminating the need for complex manual control mechanisms while maintaining high reliability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

When a component fails due to environmental damage, the system automatically discards the damaged component and activates its redundant counterpart. The failed component can be later recovered and replaced during maintenance, while the redundant component ensures continuous operation without adding significant complexity to the overall system.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #34Discarding and recovering

3Ease of operation

If the self-service device operates without central server connectivity, then ease of operation is improved during disasters, but loss of information occurs regarding user account verification

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveoperational independenceVSAvoidaccount verification data

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSLoss of information

Solution Approach 1:

Local copies of user account information and transaction histories are stored in memory devices within the self-service device before connectivity is lost. This preliminary storage enables the device to continue operating independently during disasters without requiring real-time connection to the central server, while preventing information loss through local data retention.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The local memory system acts as an intermediary between the self-service device and the central server. It buffers and stores critical information locally, allowing the device to function autonomously during connectivity outages while maintaining the ability to synchronize data with the central server when connectivity is restored, thus preventing information loss.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

4Reliability

If weatherproof enclosures are implemented, then device reliability is improved, but ease of manufacture deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveenvironmental resistanceVSAvoidmanufacturing complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The weatherproof enclosure is designed as a nested structure where protective layers are integrated within the existing device architecture. The enclosure incorporates standardized components and modular designs that can be assembled using conventional manufacturing processes, reducing the complexity increase while maintaining effective environmental protection.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Data Source

PatentUS9389967B2Method and apparatus for improving access to an ATM during a disaster

Publication Date: 2016.07.12 BANK OF AMERICA CORP

AI summary

A method and apparatus that allow a user to easily operate a self-service device despite the presence of damage is provided. Anticipated damage includes extreme environmental conditions such as earthquakes, flooding, strong winds, tsunamis, etc. These conditions may cause a failure in a portion of the self-service device. Improved ruggedness and redundant components are coordinated by suitable software to provide service despite damage to the self-service device. Additionally, access to some user accounts despite the loss of connectivity to a server maintaining user accounts is provided.