Bill Acceptor Security Device with Cutting Edges

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional bill acceptors are vulnerable to fraud, particularly 'stringing' methods where a bill is validated and then retrieved by pulling on a hidden string or tape, which existing deterrents, including video surveillance and internal security devices, have failed to effectively prevent.

Innovation Solution

A bill acceptor device with a cash box and a security device featuring bill-cutting edges and string-cutting surfaces positioned along the bill withdrawal pathway to cut the bill and any attached strings or tapes during fraudulent withdrawal attempts, preventing unauthorized retrieval.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If video surveillance and security guards are used to prevent fraud, then fraud detection capability is improved, but operational cost increases significantly

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefraud detection capabilityVSAvoidoperational cost

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The bill acceptor system performs self-monitoring through sensors that automatically detect stringing attempts and trigger alarms, eliminating the need for continuous human surveillance while maintaining high fraud detection capability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces human security guards and video monitoring systems with automated mechanical sensors and alarm mechanisms that detect fraudulent activities and respond automatically, significantly reducing operational costs while maintaining reliability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Loss of energy

If video surveillance is reviewed only after fraud is discovered, then operational cost is reduced, but fraud detection effectiveness deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveoperational costVSAvoidfraud detection effectiveness

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of energyVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary detection by positioning sensors to detect strings and tapes before the fraudulent withdrawal is completed, triggering immediate alarms and preventing the fraud from succeeding rather than reviewing video after the fact

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

3Reliability

If deterrent devices are placed within the bill acceptor, then fraud prevention capability is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefraud prevention capabilityVSAvoiddevice complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The security system is segmented into independent functional modules: string detection sensors, tape detection sensors, alarm mechanisms, and bill retention mechanisms. Each module performs a specific function and can be independently positioned within the bill acceptor structure

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The sensor system serves multiple functions by detecting both strings and tapes using similar sensing principles, and the alarm mechanism can respond to various types of fraudulent attempts, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining comprehensive fraud prevention capability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentUS9218702B2Currency acceptor, security device and method

Publication Date: 2015.12.22 ASTROSYS INT

AI summary

A device and method for preventing fraudulent withdrawal of a bill from a bill acceptor after credit has been given. The device includes a cash box, a punch plate and a security device. The security device includes at least one bill-cutting edge and at least one string-cutting surface. A method uses a security device to cut a bill when a fraudulent withdrawal of the bill is attempted.