Banknote Storage Bag Access Control via Dynamic Regulation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional cash settlement devices cannot allow sheets, such as banknotes or checks, to be manually inserted or removed from storage bags without going through the taking-in and recognition units, limiting additional storage and retrieval capabilities.

Innovation Solution

A sheet storage apparatus with a holding unit, sealing unit, regulation unit, and control unit that allows access to the storage bag when a predetermined condition is met, enabling manual insertion or removal of sheets without using the taking-in and recognition units.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If sheets are stored in a storage bag using the conventional taking-in unit and recognition unit, then the sheets can be automatically processed and stored, but the system cannot allow manual insertion or removal of sheets without going through the taking-in and recognition units

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemanual insertion capabilityVSAvoidaccess control mechanism
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The regulation unit dynamically changes the access state of the storage bag based on operational conditions. When the storage bag is removed from the holder, the regulation unit transitions from a locked to an unlocked state, allowing manual access. This dynamic adjustment enables the system to adapt between automatic processing mode and manual access mode, resolving the contradiction between maintaining security/control and enabling manual insertion.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system automatically regulates access to the storage bag based on the condition of whether it is removed from the holder. The control unit monitors the storage bag's position and automatically controls the regulation unit to switch between locked and unlocked states without requiring manual intervention. This self-service mechanism simplifies the access control process while maintaining security, allowing manual insertion only when appropriate.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

2Ease of operation

If the storage bag is sealed automatically by the sealing unit, then the sheets are securely stored, but the opening portion cannot be accessed for additional storage or retrieval

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemanual access to storage bagVSAvoidsealing integrity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The sealing state of the storage bag is dynamically adjusted based on whether the bag is removed from the holder. When removed, the regulation unit automatically unlocks, allowing the opening portion to be accessed while maintaining the sealed state. This enables operators to add or remove sheets from the opening portion without compromising the sealing integrity of the stored sheets, resolving the contradiction between accessibility and sealing reliability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The storage bag system is segmented into the sealed portion containing the sheets and the opening portion that can be accessed. The regulation unit controls access to the opening portion independently while maintaining the sealed state of the sheet-containing portion. This segmentation allows manual access for additional storage or retrieval without affecting the sealing integrity of the main storage area.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

3Ease of operation

If the drawer unit is locked to regulate drawing outward, then the storage bag is protected from unauthorized access, but the drawer unit cannot be drawn out when needed

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedrawer unit accessibilityVSAvoidlocking mechanism
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The locking state of the drawer unit is dynamically controlled based on the storage bag's position. When the storage bag is removed from the holder, the control unit automatically unlocks the drawer unit, allowing it to be drawn outward. This dynamic adjustment simplifies the locking mechanism's operation while maintaining security, as the drawer unit is locked only when the storage bag is in place and unlocked automatically when removal is intended.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The control unit receives feedback about the storage bag's position (whether it is removed from the holder or not) and automatically adjusts the locking state of the drawer unit accordingly. This feedback mechanism eliminates the need for manual locking/unlocking operations, simplifying the user interface while maintaining secure access control. The drawer unit becomes accessible automatically when the system detects that the storage bag has been removed.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

4Ease of operation

If the door is locked in a closed state, then the housing is protected, but the door cannot be opened to access the drawer unit

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedoor accessibilityVSAvoiddoor locking mechanism
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The door locking state is dynamically controlled based on the storage bag's position and the drawer unit's state. When the storage bag is removed from the holder and the drawer unit is drawn outward, the control unit automatically unlocks the door, allowing it to be opened. This dynamic control simplifies the door locking mechanism by automating the unlocking process based on system conditions, eliminating the need for manual intervention while maintaining security.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The control unit monitors the position of the storage bag and the drawer unit, and uses this feedback to automatically control the door locking mechanism. When the system detects that the storage bag has been removed and the drawer unit is accessible, the control unit automatically unlocks the door. This feedback-based control simplifies the user interface and makes the door accessible automatically when needed, while maintaining secure protection when the system is in normal operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Data Source

PatentEP3486880B1Paper sheet storage device
Publication Date: 2021.10.20 GLORY LTD
  • EP3486880B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3486880B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3486880B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A sheet storage apparatus (for example, banknote handling machine (10)) includes: a holding unit (for example, each holding member (36)) configured to hold a storage bag in a state where an opening portion of a banknote storage bag (34) is opened or in a state where the opening portion of the banknote storage bag (34) is sealed; a regulation unit (60) configured to selectively regulate access to the banknote storage bag (34) held by the holding unit; and a control unit (50) configured to control the regulation unit (60) so as to allow access to the banknote storage bag 34 held by the holding unit in a state where the opening portion of the banknote storage bag (34) is opened when a predetermined condition is satisfied.