Cable guide

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Solution Overview

Problem

Self-service terminals, such as checkout systems, face challenges in efficiently switching between customer self-service and assisted modes due to the weight and size of the checkout modules, which can cause bottlenecks during busy periods and require manual lifting and rotation, straining store personnel.

Innovation Solution

A conversion lifting platform with a cable guide system that includes a flexible member with a decreasing radius of curvature, allowing for the easy lifting and rotation of the checkout module between self-checkout and assisted checkout positions, utilizing a lift assembly with a rotatable platform, counterbalance spring, and gear rack system, and a cable guide that accommodates cable movement during mode changes.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If manual lifting and rotation of the checkout module is used to switch between self-service and assisted modes, then the system can be operated, but store personnel experience strain and operational efficiency decreases during busy periods

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of mode switchingVSAvoidoperational efficiency

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The checkout module is equipped with an integrated lifting and rotation mechanism that enables it to reposition itself automatically between self-service and assisted modes without requiring manual intervention from store personnel. The module uses its own motorized system to perform the lifting and rotating actions that previously required human effort

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The manual mechanical operation of lifting and rotating the heavy checkout module is replaced with an automated motorized system. The motorized lift assembly and rotation mechanism substitute for human physical effort, enabling automatic mode switching while maintaining operational efficiency during busy periods

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Reliability

If the checkout module is designed with sufficient weight and size to provide stability and functionality, then it can perform its intended functions, but it becomes difficult to move and rotate between positions

Engineering Contradiction:

ImprovestabilityVSAvoidease of movement

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The lifting mechanism incorporates a counterbalance spring system that offsets the weight of the checkout module. The counterbalance spring provides an upward counterbalancing force that reduces the net weight the motorized lift must overcome, enabling easier lifting and repositioning of the heavy module while maintaining its structural stability during operation

Inventive Principle:

Principle #8Anti-weight (Counterweight)

Solution Approach 2:

The checkout module transitions from a static, fixed-position design to a dynamic system capable of automatic repositioning. The motorized lift assembly and rotation mechanism enable the module to dynamically adjust its position between self-service and assisted modes, transforming it from a stationary object to an actively reconfigurable system

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

3Reliability

If cables are rigidly fixed to the checkout module, then electrical connections are maintained, but cable damage occurs during lifting and rotation operations

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveelectrical connectionVSAvoidcable damage

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The cable management system uses a flexible cable guide member instead of rigid cable routing. The flexible member can bend and deform as the checkout module is lifted and rotated, accommodating the dynamic motion without imposing rigid constraints on the cables. This flexibility prevents cable damage while maintaining continuous electrical connections throughout the mode switching operation

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

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

Enables seamless mode switching without disrupting customer traffic flow, reducing manual effort required for lifting and rotating the checkout module, and maintaining efficient operation by distributing the weight and facilitating smooth cable management.

Implementation Method 1

a cable guide that accommodates cable movement during mode changes

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectSpring: Spring

Implementation Method 2

The flexible member may have a first endpoint and a second endpoint. The flexible member may be curved about a central point. When in a first state the flexible member may have a radius of curvature that continuously decreases towards the second endpoint

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectFlexibility: Elasticity

Implementation Method 3

utilizing a lift assembly with a rotatable platform, counterbalance spring, and gear rack system

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectGear mechanism: Gear

Data Source

PatentUS9829118B2Cable guide

Publication Date: 2017.11.28 NCR VOYIX CORP

AI summary

A cable guide may include a flexible member. The flexible member may have a first endpoint and a second endpoint. The flexible member may be curved about a central point. When in a first state the flexible member may have a radius of curvature that continuously decreases towards the second endpoint.