Banknote Validator with Segmented Accumulator and Automated Actuators
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing banknote acceptors and dispensers require frequent service and struggle to efficiently manage higher denomination banknotes, leading to increased service intervals and potential lost sales due to inadequate change provision.
Innovation Solution
A banknote acceptor and dispenser system featuring a validator, accumulator, and removable cassette with automated actuators, a reversible drive path, manual crank, and electronic display for denomination setting and count monitoring, allowing for efficient loading, unloading, and programming of banknotes for extended service intervals.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a banknote accumulator with depleting supply is used, then service frequency increases, but transaction capability decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The banknote storage system is segmented into multiple accumulators (first accumulator, second accumulator, third accumulator) that can be independently loaded and managed. This segmentation allows continuous operation as one accumulator can be serviced while others remain active, reducing service frequency while maintaining transaction capability.
Solution Approach 2:
Banknotes are pre-loaded into multiple accumulators before operation begins. The system can anticipate service needs by preparing replacement accumulators in advance, allowing seamless transitions between accumulators and minimizing service interruptions to transactions.
2Ease of operation
If manual loading and unloading of banknotes is required, then ease of operation decreases, but device complexity is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The system employs automated actuators that enable the accumulator to load and unload banknotes without manual intervention. The actuators automatically engage with the accumulators, perform the loading/unloading operations, and disengage, allowing the system to service itself and significantly improving ease of operation.
Solution Approach 2:
Manual mechanical operations of loading and unloading banknotes are replaced with an automated actuator system. The actuator uses mechanical arms or pushers controlled by a motor to perform the loading and unloading operations, substituting human manual labor with an automated mechanical system.
3Adaptability or versatility
If fixed banknote denomination storage is used, then adaptability decreases, but device complexity is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The banknote accumulation system is made dynamic through programmable controls that allow the denomination assigned to each accumulator to be changed based on transaction requirements. The system can dynamically reconfigure which accumulators store which denominations, providing high adaptability without requiring physical reconfiguration of the hardware.
Solution Approach 2:
The system allows changes in the parameter of banknote denomination assignment for each accumulator through programming. By changing the software parameters rather than physical configuration, the system achieves versatility in handling different denominations while keeping the hardware structure relatively simple.
4Productivity
If banknotes of higher denominations are accepted, then transaction capability increases, but service complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system incorporates monitoring that tracks the contents and status of each accumulator, providing feedback to the control system. This feedback mechanism allows the system to automatically manage the distribution and dispensing of different denominations, handling the complexity of multiple denominations systematically while enhancing transaction capability with higher value banknotes.
Data Source
AI summary
A banknote acceptor and dispenser uses a stacked configuration of the validator the banknote accumulator and dispenser and the banknote cassette. The banknote accumulator includes a count window providing information of the banknotes stored in the accumulator. Preferably the count window has an electronic display of the number of banknotes accumulated.