Barb-Shaped Latching Element for Bank-Note Cassette Safety
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing money cassettes with pressure units that hold the stack of notes in an end position via a locking element are prone to unintentional actuation, causing the pressure unit to unexpectedly move and potentially injure the operator.
Innovation Solution
The locking element and first engagement element are designed such that the locking element can only be moved from the locked to the unlocked position if the pressure unit has been moved a predetermined minimum distance beyond the end position in the discard direction, ensuring deliberate handling and preventing accidental actuation. Additionally, a second engagement element, often hook-shaped, engages with the first engagement element to secure the pressure unit in the end position, preventing unintentional release.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a locking element is used to hold the pressure unit in the end position, then the pressure unit can be held securely, but the locking element can be easily actuated unintentionally causing safety hazards
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a preliminary action by requiring the pressure unit to be moved a predetermined minimum distance beyond the end position before the locking element can transition from locked to unlocked. This preliminary movement creates a safety buffer that prevents accidental actuation while maintaining secure holding when properly positioned
Solution Approach 2:
The barb-shaped latching element provides preliminary anti-action by creating a mechanical barrier that prevents unintended release. The barb geometry (with protrusion extending beyond the recess depth) ensures that normal operational movements cannot accidentally disengage the locking mechanism, counteracting potential harmful unintentional actuations
2Ease of operation
If the locking element is easily actuated for quick release, then the operation is simple, but accidental actuation can cause the pressure unit to jump unexpectedly
Solution Approach 1:
The system requires a preliminary action of moving the pressure unit beyond the end position by a predetermined minimum distance before unlocking can occur. This ensures that only deliberate, extended movements trigger release, filtering out accidental or premature actuation attempts while maintaining operational simplicity for intended use
Solution Approach 2:
The barb-shaped latching element employs asymmetric geometry where the protrusion depth exceeds the recess depth. This asymmetric design creates different resistance levels for locking versus unlocking directions, allowing easy intentional locking while preventing accidental unlocking unless the predetermined distance is exceeded
3Strength
If the pressure unit is held under great tension in the end position, then it can hold the stack of notes securely, but the locking element must withstand high counterforce
Solution Approach 1:
The barb-shaped latching element uses asymmetric geometry where the protrusion extends beyond the recess depth. This creates a mechanical advantage that allows the locking element to withstand high counterforces from the tensioned pressure unit while maintaining a compact design. The extended protrusion acts as a lever arm that distributes and manages the high forces effectively
4Loss of time
If the locking element can be moved easily to the unlocked position, then the maintenance is quick, but unintentional movement can cause safety hazards
Solution Approach 1:
During maintenance operations, the system requires the pressure unit to be moved a predetermined minimum distance beyond the end position before the locking element can transition to unlocked. This preliminary action ensures that maintenance personnel must deliberately position the unit correctly, preventing unintentional actuation while maintaining efficient access when proper procedures are followed
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
This design ensures the pressure unit is reliably held in the end position, preventing accidental actuation and ensuring safe operation by requiring deliberate handling to unlock the pressure unit, thus preventing injuries and ensuring secure holding of the stack of notes.
Implementation Method 1
a spring unit (114) which can be tensioned in the storage direction P1 and which applies a counterforce on the pressure unit (100) in the storage direction P1
Implementation Method 2
The locking element (150) comprises a barb-shaped latching element (170) which is designed in such a way that the locking element (150) can be moved from the locked position into the unlocked position only if the pressure unit (100) has been moved a predetermined minimum distance beyond the end position
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a cash box (10) which comprises a receiving compartment (20) for receiving the stack of banknotes and a contact-pressure unit (100) for exerting an opposing force onto the stack of banknotes. The contact-pressure unit (100) comprises a locking element (150) for holding the contact-pressure unit (100) in an end position. The locking element (150) engages with a stationary first engagement element (166) in a locking position. In an unlocked position however, movement of the contact-pressure unit (100) against the depositing direction (P1) is possible. The locking element (150) and the first engagement element (166) are designed in such a way that the locking element (150) can be moved from the locking position to the unlocked position only when the contact-pressure unit (100) has first been moved out of the end position, at least by a predetermined minimum distance, further in the depositing direction (P1).