Blocking Element for Cash Box Pressure Unit
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing cash boxes with pressure units face issues of secure note feeding and removal, as motor-driven systems require space and are costly, while spring-loaded designs can unintentionally move during sudden loads, causing notes to tip over or jam.
Innovation Solution
A cash box with a blocking element that prevents the pressure unit's rotation in the storage direction, ensuring constant tension on the note stack, and automatically shifts to a locked position if the cash box is inclined, preventing unintentional movement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a motor is used to move the pressure unit, then the pressure unit can be precisely controlled, but the installation space increases and the cost becomes high
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the motor-driven mechanical system with a gravity-based passive mechanical system. The pressure unit utilizes the gravitational force of the note stack itself to move along the shaft, eliminating the need for motors, gears, and complex control mechanisms while maintaining reliable positioning.
Solution Approach 2:
The note stack serves a dual function: it is both the object being pressed and the driving force that moves the pressure unit. As notes are added to the stack, their combined weight automatically pushes the pressure unit along the shaft to the correct position, requiring no external energy source or control system.
2Volume of moving object
If a spring-loaded pressure unit is used, then the design is space-saving and compact, but the pressure unit can unintentionally move during sudden loads
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a blocking element that acts as a mechanical counterweight or latch to prevent the pressure unit from moving unintentionally. This blocking element engages with the shaft to hold the pressure unit in place against sudden loads or vibrations, while allowing controlled movement when notes are added to the stack.
Solution Approach 2:
The blocking element is pre-positioned to engage with the shaft at specific locations, creating predetermined stopping positions for the pressure unit. This preliminary positioning ensures that the pressure unit can only move to authorized positions where notes are actually present, preventing unauthorized or accidental movement.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the pressure unit can move freely in both directions, then it can adapt to different filling levels, but it cannot prevent unintentional movement during sudden loads
Solution Approach 1:
The blocking element creates asymmetric movement constraints: it allows the pressure unit to move in one direction (when notes are added and push it along the shaft) but prevents movement in the opposite direction or at unauthorized positions. This asymmetric control enables both adaptability to filling levels and prevention of unintentional movement.
Solution Approach 2:
The blocking element serves as an intermediary between the pressure unit and the shaft, mediating their interaction. It allows controlled movement when conditions are appropriate (notes present on both sides) but blocks movement when conditions are inappropriate (sudden loads, vibrations, or no notes on one side), thus reconciling adaptability with stability.
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
Guarantees safe feeding and removal of notes by maintaining constant tension and preventing unintentional movement of the pressure unit, even if the cash box is dropped, without the need for expensive electrical components.
Implementation Method 1
a blocking element (120) which, in a blocking position, prevents rotation of the shaft (104) in the first direction of rotation
Implementation Method 2
with the pressure unit moving in one of the first directions of rotation when the shaft (104) rotates moved opposite to the second direction of rotation relative to the housing
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
The invention relates to a strongbox (10) which comprises a storage compartment (20) and a pressure unit (100). According to the invention, the pressure unit (100) comprises a mount having a shaft (104), wherein, upon a rotation of the shaft (104) in a first direction of rotation (P2), the pressure unit (100) moves, relative to the housing (12) of the strongbox (10), in a depositing direction (P1) and, upon a rotation in a second direction of rotation (P3), moves opposite the depositing direction (P1). The strongbox (10) has a locking element (120) which, in a locking position, prevents a rotation of the shaft (104) in the first direction of rotation (P2) and, in a release position, allows a rotation of the shaft (104) in the first direction of rotation (P2). The invention further relates to a method for assembly of such a locking element (120).