Two-Way Cash Recycler Concurrent Transaction Pathways

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Current automated cash handling devices, such as ATMs and cash recyclers, are limited to handling one transaction type for one user at a time, requiring sequential processing and lacking the capability for concurrent multi-user transactions.

Innovation Solution

A two-way cash recycler system with a transport system and control circuitry that facilitates concurrent use, pass-through, and dispensing transactions by utilizing multiple pathways and sensors to manage and sanitize transaction media, allowing simultaneous processing of multiple transactions across multiple users.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If a typical cash handling device processes transactions sequentially for multiple users, then device complexity is reduced, but productivity and transaction throughput decrease

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetransaction throughputVSAvoiddevice complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The transport system is divided into multiple independent pathways: a first pathway for concurrent use transactions (connecting both user interfaces to the vault), a second pathway for pass-through transactions (connecting the two user interfaces directly), and a third pathway for dispensing transactions (connecting the vault to user interfaces). This segmentation allows simultaneous processing of different transaction types without interference, resolving the contradiction between productivity and complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The system transitions from sequential single-user processing to concurrent multi-user processing by adding spatial dimensions through multiple user interfaces (first and second user interfaces on opposite sides) and multiple transport pathways. This dimensional expansion enables parallel transaction processing, significantly improving productivity while managing complexity through modular pathway design.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Adaptability or versatility

If a cash handling device supports only one transaction type for one user at a time, then ease of operation is improved, but adaptability and versatility decrease

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetransaction type capabilityVSAvoidease of operation

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The transport system is designed with universal pathways that can handle multiple transaction types: concurrent use transactions (both users depositing to vault), pass-through transactions (users exchanging media between interfaces), and dispensing transactions (vault to user interfaces). The same transport infrastructure supports all transaction types, providing versatility while maintaining ease of operation through standardized pathways and automated routing.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The system dynamically selects and activates specific pathways based on the transaction type being performed. The control system adjusts the operational state of different pathways (first, second, and third pathways) to match the required transaction mode, enabling versatile functionality while keeping the user interface simple and intuitive for each specific operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

3Productivity

If multiple pathways are added to enable concurrent transactions, then productivity increases, but device complexity and manufacturing cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconcurrent transaction processingVSAvoidease of manufacture

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

Multiple transport pathways are merged into a single integrated transport system sharing common infrastructure elements such as the vault, control circuitry, and media handling mechanisms. The first, second, and third pathways utilize shared components where possible, reducing manufacturing complexity and cost while still enabling concurrent transaction processing through coordinated pathway operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Data Source

PatentUS20240203189A1Systems and methods for two-way cash recycler

Publication Date: 2024.06.20 WELLS FARGO BANK NA

AI summary

A two-way cash recycler system includes a vault structured to store, receive, and dispense transaction media, a first input/output device structured to receive and dispense the transaction media, a second input/output device structured to receive and dispense the transaction media, and a transport system structured to transport the transaction media within the transaction system using one or more pathways, the one or more pathways connecting the first input/output device to at least one of the second input/output device or the vault.