Cash Box Torsion Spring Counter-Pressure Unit
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing money cassettes face challenges in securely and reliably depositing notes of value due to complex and costly drive-unit-based counter-pressure systems, and space-consuming spring-based designs that are prone to errors.
Innovation Solution
A money cassette with a counter-pressure unit featuring a torsion spring that applies a passive counter-pressure force, increasing with the number of notes, ensuring secure and uniform deposition without the need for drive units, sensors, or electrical control, and providing a compact, low-maintenance design.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a drive unit with motors, sensors, and actuators is used to move the counter-pressure unit, then the counter-pressure force can be controlled, but the production cost and device complexity increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and removes the complex drive unit (motors, sensors, actuators) from the system, replacing it with a simple torsion spring mechanism. This eliminates unnecessary components while retaining the essential function of applying counter-pressure force to the note stack.
Solution Approach 2:
The torsion spring automatically adjusts the counter-pressure force based on the weight of the note stack without requiring external control. The spring self-regulates by converting its elastic potential energy into the required counter-pressure, eliminating the need for motors, sensors, and control systems.
2Force
If compression or tension springs are arranged openly in the cash box, then the counter-pressure force can be applied, but the springs can be moved out of position by contact with other components or during handling
Solution Approach 1:
The torsion spring is nested within the counter-pressure unit housing, which itself is integrated into the cash box structure. This nested arrangement protects the spring from external disturbances and prevents it from being displaced by contact with other components or during handling.
Solution Approach 2:
The counter-pressure unit housing acts as a protective shell that encloses and secures the torsion spring. This housing structure maintains the spring's predetermined position while allowing the spring to flex and generate counter-pressure force as needed.
3Ease of operation
If the same counter-pressure force is always generated by the drive unit, then the control is simple, but the contact pressure decreases as more notes are accommodated in the receiving area
Solution Approach 1:
The torsion spring provides a dynamic counter-pressure force that automatically adjusts according to the weight of the note stack. As more notes are added and the stack becomes heavier, the spring extends further and generates proportionally more counter-pressure force, maintaining optimal contact pressure throughout the loading process.
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
The torsion spring-based counter-pressure unit ensures consistent and reliable note deposition, reducing production costs and complexity while preventing errors, as the counter-pressure force adjusts with the stack weight, maintaining uniform contact pressure.
Implementation Method 1
the elastic element comprises a torsion spring which is arranged on the counter-pressure unit
Implementation Method 2
an elastic element is provided, which preloads the counter-pressure unit against the placement direction in order to generate the counter-pressure force
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a cash box (10) with a receiving area (16) for receiving a stack of banknotes and with a counter-pressure unit (100) arranged in the receiving area (16) for exerting a counter-pressure force directed against a deposit direction (P1) on a stack of banknotes to be received in the receiving area (16). Furthermore, the cash box (10) comprises an elastic element which biases the counter-pressure unit (100) against the deposit direction (P1) to generate the counter-pressure force. The elastic element has at least one torsion spring (118) arranged on the counter-pressure unit (100). The invention further relates to such a counter-pressure unit (100) for cash boxes (10).