Banknote Handling System with Movable Support and Unlocking Arm

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Solution Overview

Problem

The process of collecting, sorting, and counting banknotes from electronic gaming machines in casinos is time-consuming and prone to human error due to the handling of loose, unjogged stacks, which can droop or collapse.

Innovation Solution

A banknote handling system equipped with a mechanical arm and object grasping mechanism, including grippers and a biasing member, that can grasp and stabilize banknote stacks, preventing them from drooping or collapsing, and an unlocking system using a camera and mechanical arm to automate the process of unlocking banknote cashboxes.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If manual handling of loose banknote stacks is used, then flexibility and adaptability are maintained, but the banknotes droop or collapse causing errors and rework

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveaccuracy of banknote handlingVSAvoiddifficulty of handling loose banknotes

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The movable support performs preliminary action by extending to support the banknote stack before the gripper withdraws, preventing the stack from drooping or collapsing during the handling process. This advance preparation ensures the banknotes maintain their shape and position throughout the operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The biasing member provides beforehand cushioning by continuously biasing the movable support toward the gripper tip, ensuring the support is always positioned to catch and stabilize the banknote stack. This pre-positioning prevents potential collapse without requiring active control during the withdrawal process.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

2Reliability

If automated mechanical arm with movable support is used, then banknote stacks are stabilized and handling accuracy improves, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestability of banknote stacksVSAvoidcomplexity of grasping mechanism

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The movable support acts as an intermediary element between the gripper and the banknote stack. It mediates the interaction by providing stable support during withdrawal without requiring complex control mechanisms, simplifying the overall system while improving reliability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The biasing member enables the movable support to self-adjust and maintain its position automatically through mechanical biasing force. This self-service mechanism eliminates the need for active control systems, reducing device complexity while ensuring continuous stability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

3Productivity

If manual collection and sorting processes are used, then system simplicity is maintained, but time consumption and human error increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvespeed of banknote processingVSAvoidtime for collection, sorting, and counting

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The automated system enables continuous useful action by seamlessly integrating the gripper withdrawal, movable support extension, and banknote stabilization processes. This continuous operation eliminates interruptions and manual handling delays, significantly improving processing speed and reducing time loss.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #20Continuity of useful action

4Reliability

If biasing member is added to the gripper mechanism, then movable support maintains constant pressure on banknotes, but manufacturing complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconsistency of banknote supportVSAvoidsimplicity of gripper assembly

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The biasing member changes the parameter of the movable support by providing continuous mechanical biasing force. This simple parameter change ensures constant pressure and reliable support without requiring complex control systems or advanced manufacturing processes.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

The system automates the collection, sorting, counting, and bundling of banknotes, reducing human intervention and errors, and efficiently processes banknotes by stabilizing stacks and unlocking cashboxes, thereby improving the accuracy and efficiency of the transaction recording process.

Implementation Method 1

The banknote handling system includes a biasing member to bias the movable support toward the tip of the gripper

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMechanical biasing force: Spring

Data Source

PatentUS20240328238A1Banknote handling system for automated casino accounting

Publication Date: 2024.10.03 JAPAN CASH MASCH CO LTD

AI summary

A banknote handling system includes an unlocking system. The unlocking system includes a camera, a first mechanical arm to which one or a plurality of keys are affixed, and a controller that determines a position of a keyhole based on an image from the camera, and controls the first arm to insert one of the one or the plurality of keys into the keyhole and turn the inserted key for unlocking. In many examples, the unlocking system is configured to unlock a banknote cashbox.