Banknote Processing Buffer Storage for Continuous Packaging

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Solution Overview

Problem

The automatic processing of documents of value, such as banknotes, is often halted due to temporary capacity exhaustion in packaging or transport devices, leading to reduced throughput.

Innovation Solution

An integrated system with a processing device, bundling devices, storage devices, and a control device that temporarily stores processed documents until packaging or transport capacity is available, allowing continuous processing and preventing uncontrolled jamming.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If the processing device stops processing when packaging or transport capacity is exhausted, then uncontrolled jamming is prevented, but throughput is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveprevention of uncontrolled jammingVSAvoidthroughput of valuable documents
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary actions by implementing a buffer storage device that temporarily holds bundles before packaging. This allows the processing device to continue operating and preparing bundles even when the packaging device is temporarily unavailable, preventing stoppages while avoiding uncontrolled jamming through controlled buffer management.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

A buffer storage device is introduced as an intermediary between the processing device and the packaging device. This intermediary component decouples the two devices, allowing the processing device to operate independently without being immediately stopped by packaging capacity constraints, thus maintaining throughput while preventing jams.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Productivity

If the processing device continues operating without buffer storage, then device complexity is reduced, but throughput is reduced due to frequent stoppages

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvethroughput of valuable documentsVSAvoidsystem complexity with buffer storage
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The buffer storage device is designed with a predetermined capacity that is sufficient to handle typical packaging delays, allowing the processing device to continue operating for a meaningful period without stoppages. This preliminary capacity planning ensures throughput improvement without requiring excessively complex or large buffer systems.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

3Productivity

If buffer storage capacity is increased, then throughput is improved by reducing stoppages, but device complexity and space requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecontinuous processing capabilityVSAvoidbuffer storage space
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSVolume of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The buffer storage device is designed with a moderate, predetermined capacity that provides sufficient buffering to handle typical packaging delays without requiring excessive storage space. This partial buffering approach achieves meaningful throughput improvement while keeping the buffer size practical and manageable.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #16Partial or excessive action

Data Source

PatentEP3616170B1System for processing and packaging documents of value, in particular banknotes
Publication Date: 2022.12.28 GIESECKE & DEVRIENT CURRENCY TECHNOLOGY GMBH
  • EP3616170B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3616170B1 patent drawingFigure 2

AI summary

The invention relates to a system and a corresponding method for processing and packaging documents of value, in particular banknotes, said system having a processing device, which is configured for processing, in particular checking, sorting and/or destroying, documents of value; having at least one bundling device, which is configured for bundling processed documents of value into packs and/or for bundling one or more packs, in which processed documents of value have been bundled, into a respective bundle; having a packaging device, which is configured for packaging one or more packs and/or bundles; and having a transport device, which is configured for supplying one or more packs and/or bundles to the packaging device. Also provided is at least one storage means, which is configured for receiving one or more packs and/or bundles, and a control device, which is configured for controlling the at least one storage means such that the one or more packs and/or bundles are temporarily stored in the storage means for as long as the transport device and/or the packaging device can receive no further packs and/or bundles.