Cash Box Height Limiter for Automatic Note Feeding

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing cash boxes face difficulties in automatically feeding notes of value by machine due to lateral height limiters that obstruct the insertion process and cause notes to protrude and get pulled under others, leading to issues in the payment process.

Innovation Solution

A cash box design featuring a single height limiter on the cover that protrudes into a recess in the retaining element, eliminating the need for lateral height limiters, allowing notes to be fed straight in and ensuring secure retention without slipping, with adjustable fingers and recesses for optimal adaptation to note dimensions.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If lateral height limiters are used to close the gap in the retaining element, then notes of value are prevented from slipping in, but the feeding process becomes more difficult and notes may protrude and get pulled under others

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveretention of notes of valueVSAvoidfeeding of notes of value
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent removes the lateral height limiters from the base unit and integrates the height limiting function into a single height limiter on the cover. This extraction of the obstructing elements (lateral height limiters) eliminates the feeding problem while maintaining retention through the integrated cover-mounted height limiter that engages with the retaining element.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent combines the height limiting function and the gap-closing function into a single integrated height limiter mounted on the cover. This merger eliminates the need for separate lateral height limiters on the base unit, simplifying the feeding process while maintaining secure retention of notes through the engaging finger-recess mechanism.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

2Reliability

If multiple height limiters are provided laterally, then the gap in the retaining element is always closed, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvegap closure in retaining elementVSAvoidnumber of height limiters
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges multiple height limiters into a single integrated height limiter mounted on the cover. This single height limiter incorporates the functionality of multiple separate limiters through its finger elements that engage with corresponding recesses in the retaining element, reducing device complexity while maintaining reliable gap closure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The single height limiter on the cover serves multiple functions: it limits the height of the receiving area, closes the gap in the retaining element through its finger engagement, and prevents notes from slipping. This multi-functional design eliminates the need for multiple separate components.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Adaptability or versatility

If the height limiter is fixed on the base unit, then the receiving area height is limited, but automatic feeding is obstructed

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveadjustment of receiving area heightVSAvoidautomatic feeding of notes
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSExtent of automation

Solution Approach 1:

Instead of mounting the height limiter on the base unit (traditional approach), the patent inverts the mounting location to the cover. This inversion allows the height limiter to be positioned away from the feeding path when the cover is open, enabling automatic feeding without obstruction, while still providing height limitation and adaptability when the cover is closed.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

Data Source

PatentEP2913803B1Cash box with a height limiter that engages with the retaining element
Publication Date: 2016.11.23 WINCOR NIXDORF INT GMBH
  • EP2913803B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2913803B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2913803B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The invention relates to a cash box (10, 100, 102) with a receiving area (24) for receiving a stack of banknotes and a first opening (18) that can be closed via a lid (16) for manually inserting and removing banknotes. A height limiter (36) for adjusting the height of the receiving area (24) is provided on the lid (16), wherein this height limiter (36) comprises at least one finger (40, 42) which, at least when the lid (16) is closed, projects into a recess (44, 46) of a retaining element (30).