Bill Alignment Apparatus Using Movable Support Unit
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing bill alignment systems in banking ATMs often require bills to be aligned with one side edge of the transfer path, leading to excessive movement distance and time, which can be inefficient.
Innovation Solution
A bill alignment apparatus comprising a fixed support unit, a movable support unit, a bill position sensor, and a controller that applies frictional force and moves the bill laterally to align it with the center line of the transfer path, using transfer rollers and actuators to minimize displacement and optimize alignment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If bills are aligned with one side edge of the transfer path, then the alignment process is simple, but the distance that each bill must be moved on the transfer path becomes excessively long
Solution Approach 1:
The support unit is made movable in the lateral direction rather than fixed, allowing it to dynamically adjust its position to intercept bills at their current lateral location and move them to the center line, thereby reducing the distance bills need to travel along the transfer path
Solution Approach 2:
A movable support unit acts as an intermediary mechanism between the bill supply source and the transfer path. This support unit temporarily holds bills and laterally moves them to the center line before they enter the main transfer path, serving as a mediation step that reduces overall movement distance
2Device complexity
If bills are aligned with one side edge of the transfer path, then the alignment mechanism is simple, but the time it takes to move the bill becomes excessive
Solution Approach 1:
The support unit moves laterally to intercept bills at their current position and redirect them to the center line, reducing the distance and time bills must travel along the transfer path. This dynamic adjustment eliminates unnecessary movement time
Solution Approach 2:
The movable support unit performs preliminary lateral alignment of bills to the center line before they enter the main transfer path. By pre-positioning bills correctly, the system avoids time-consuming movements during the main transfer process
3Device complexity
If bills are aligned with one side edge of the transfer path, then the setup is simple, but displacement of the bill increases
Solution Approach 1:
A bill position sensor detects the lateral position of bills and provides feedback to the control unit, which then adjusts the lateral position of the movable support unit to precisely align bills with the center line, minimizing displacement
Solution Approach 2:
The system replaces purely mechanical alignment with a combination of sensing (bill position sensor) and controlled actuation (actuator moving the support unit). This substitution of mechanical trial-and-error alignment with sensor-based precision control reduces bill displacement
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 apparatus efficiently aligns bills with the center line of the transfer path, reducing the time and distance required for bill movement, preventing twisting or wrinkling, and ensuring precise positioning.
Implementation Method 1
a first transfer roller applying frictional force to the bill so that the bill is moved in a transfer direction of the transfer path
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed herein are an apparatus and method for aligning a bill supplied to a transfer path with a center line of the transfer path. The apparatus includes a fixed support unit which moves a bill in a transfer direction of the transfer path, a movable support unit which is disposed in succession to the fixed support unit and is provided so as to be movable in a lateral direction of the transfer path, a bill position sensor which senses the position of the bill that moves on the fixed support unit and the movable support unit, and a controller which is controls a lateral displacement of the movable support unit in response to information about the position of the bill, thus aligning the bill with the center line.