Cash Box Capacity Management for Note Handling Devices
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing devices for handling notes of value, such as automated teller machines, face issues where notes remain in intermediate storage due to capacity limitations in the all-in box, leading to unused capacity and inefficient utilization of storage space.
Innovation Solution
A device and method that determine the remaining capacity of the second cash box by deducting stored notes from a preset initial capacity, ensuring that only notes within this capacity are stored in the second cash box, and utilizing a control unit to manage the transport of notes between intermediate storage and cash boxes, preventing overflow and optimizing storage utilization.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the sensor is adjusted to trigger at a lower filling level to ensure space for intermediate storage notes, then reliability of storing all intermediate storage notes is improved, but the utilization of the all-in box capacity deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The control unit determines the remaining capacity of the all-in box before the sensor trigger point is reached. When the sensor triggers, the system already knows the exact remaining capacity and can calculate whether intermediate storage notes can be accommodated. This preliminary determination allows the system to continue accepting deposits even after sensor trigger, resolving the contradiction by enabling reliable storage of intermediate notes while maximizing box utilization.
2Reliability
If the sensor is triggered early to guarantee space for intermediate storage, then the risk of notes remaining in intermediate storage is reduced, but a large part of the all-in box capacity remains unused
Solution Approach 1:
The control unit continuously monitors the filling level via the sensor and dynamically determines the remaining capacity. When the sensor triggers, the system receives feedback about the current state and calculates whether intermediate storage notes can be accommodated. This feedback mechanism allows the system to adaptively continue operations after trigger point, preventing notes from being left in intermediate storage while minimizing unused capacity.
3Reliability
If the all-in box capacity is set to accommodate maximum intermediate storage notes, then reliability of clearing intermediate storage is improved, but the box capacity is over-provisioned and remains unused
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of statically setting the all-in box capacity to the maximum intermediate storage capacity (350-400 notes), the system dynamically determines the remaining capacity at any given moment. The control unit calculates the actual available space based on current filling level and intermediate storage size, allowing the system to flexibly accommodate intermediate notes when space is available while maximizing overall box utilization.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2-1
Figure 2-2
AI summary
The device comprises an input compartment for inputting notes of value, a pull-off and separating unit for separating the notes of value present in the input compartment, a value note identification unit for identifying the separated notes of value as well as an intermediate storage unit for intermediately storing the identified notes of value. The device comprises a first cash box (12a to 12d) for storing notes of value (13) and a second cash box (12e) for storing notes of value (40). A transport unit (19, 24) serves for the transport of notes of value between the mentioned units and cash boxes. A control unit (28) assigns one of the at least two cash boxes (12a to 12e) as a target cash box (12a to 12e) to each identified note of value and determines whether the filling level of the second cash box (12e) has reached or exceeded a value stored in a preset manner. The control unit (28) controls the transport unit (19, 24) such that the intermediately stored notes of value (13, 40) that are to be stored in the first cash box (12a to 12d) are removed from the intermediate storage unit (30), are fed to the first cash box (12a to 12d) and are stored therein. The control unit (28) further determines a remaining capacity of the second cash box (12e) in that the control unit (28) deducts the number of notes of value (40) that are altogether stored in the second cash box (12e), after the filling level of the second cash box (12e) has reached the predetermined value, from an initial remaining capacity stored in a preset manner, and determines a remaining capacity of the second cash box (12e). The control unit (28) controls the transport unit (19, 24) when the number of intermediately stored notes of value (40) that are to be stored in the second cash box (12e) does not exceed the remaining capacity such that the notes of value (40) that are to be stored in the second cash box (12e) are removed from the intermediate storage unit (30), are fed to the second cash box (12e) and stored therein.