Flexible Cable Guide Curvature for Checkout Mode Transitions

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing cable guides for self-service terminals and checkout systems do not efficiently manage cable routing and tension changes during mode transitions, such as from self-checkout to assisted checkout, leading to potential bottlenecks and inefficiencies.

Innovation Solution

A cable guide with a flexible member that changes its curvature from decreasing to constant radius during state transitions, allowing for coplanar to non-coplanar configurations, and optionally forming a helix, with notches and grooves for cable ties, made from materials like low-density polymers or metals, to support cable routing and tension adjustments.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a cable guide with continuously decreasing radius of curvature is used, then the cable guide can transition from coplanar to non-coplanar positions, but the radius of curvature is not constant in the stretched position causing cable tension issues

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecable guide configuration transitionVSAvoidcable tension consistency

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The cable guide employs a dynamic mechanism where the flexible member transitions between two distinct curvature states. In the retracted position, the cable guide has a continuously decreasing radius of curvature to enable coplanar to non-coplanar transition. In the extended position, the cable guide maintains an approximately constant radius of curvature to ensure consistent cable tension, eliminating slack and bunching.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The invention changes the geometric parameter of the cable guide's radius of curvature based on its operational state. The flexible member is designed with specific curvature characteristics for the retracted position (continuously decreasing radius) and a different curvature characteristic for the extended position (approximately constant radius), allowing optimization for different operational requirements.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Adaptability or versatility

If the cable guide allows extensive movement between coplanar and non-coplanar states, then mode transitions are enabled, but cable routing efficiency and tension management deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemode transition capabilityVSAvoidcable routing efficiency

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The cable guide uses a dynamic flexible member that can change its curvature profile. The member transitions between a first state with continuously decreasing radius of curvature (enabling mode transitions) and a second state with approximately constant radius of curvature (optimizing cable routing efficiency during extended operation).

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The flexible member is designed with distinct functional zones: a first portion that enables the transition between coplanar and non-coplanar configurations, and a second portion that maintains constant curvature for efficient cable routing. This segmentation allows each portion to optimize for its specific function.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentEP3123903B1Cable guide for convertible checkout system

Publication Date: 2018.10.17 NCR VOYIX CORP

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AI summary

A cable guide (705, 1000, or 1100) may include a flexible member. The flexible member may have a first endpoint (905 or 1015) and a second endpoint (910 or 1020). The flexible member may be curved about a central point (915 or 1095). When in a first state the flexible member may have a radius of curvature that continuously decreases towards the second endpoint (910 or 1020).