Cashbox Bidirectional Installation Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing cashbox designs for self-service terminal devices are limited in applicability as they can only be installed from the front side, necessitating either a modified connection structure or separate cashboxes for different installation orientations, increasing costs and reducing adaptability to various application environments.
Innovation Solution
A cashbox with staggered slots on opposite walls and tapered inserting openings, combined with a bracket featuring bar-shaped protrusions and retractable positioning pins, allows bidirectional installation, preventing reversed installation and ensuring compatibility with both front and rear installation orientations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the cashbox uses a traditional connection structure with grooves and positioning notches, then the cashbox can be securely locked in the bracket, but the cashbox can only be installed from the front side, reducing adaptability to different installation environments
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies asymmetry by making the slot structure asymmetric with respect to installation direction. The slot has a first end and a second end with different configurations - the first end has an opening for insertion, while the second end is closed. This asymmetric design allows the slot to accept insertion from one direction while preventing insertion from the opposite direction, enabling the cashbox to be securely installed whether facing front or rear without requiring symmetric grooves and positioning notches that limit installation orientation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements universality by designing a single slot structure that performs multiple functions: it guides insertion, provides lateral constraint, and prevents reverse installation. This universal slot design replaces the traditional combination of grooves, positioning notches, and elastic positioning members, allowing the same cashbox structure to be installed in different orientations (front or rear) without modification, thereby increasing adaptability to various installation environments.
2Adaptability or versatility
If different connection structures or multiple cashbox types are used to support different installation orientations, then all installation requirements can be met, but the device complexity and user costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements universality by designing a single slot structure that performs multiple functions: it guides insertion, provides lateral constraint, and prevents reverse installation. This universal slot design replaces the traditional combination of grooves, positioning notches, and elastic positioning members, allowing the same cashbox structure to be installed in different orientations (front or rear) without modification, thereby increasing adaptability to various installation environments.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts and eliminates unnecessary components from the traditional connection structure. By removing the elastic positioning members, positioning notches, and complex groove structures, the design simplifies the connection mechanism to essentially a single slot and corresponding protrusion. This extraction of unnecessary elements reduces device complexity while maintaining the ability to support different installation orientations through the asymmetric slot geometry.
3Device complexity
If the cashbox uses a simple connection structure, then the device complexity is reduced, but the reliability of securing the cashbox in the bracket deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies asymmetry by making the slot structure asymmetric with respect to installation direction. The slot has a first end and a second end with different configurations - the first end has an opening for insertion, while the second end is closed. This asymmetric design allows the slot to accept insertion from one direction while preventing insertion from the opposite direction, enabling the cashbox to be securely installed whether facing front or rear without requiring symmetric grooves and positioning notches that limit installation orientation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies dynamics by designing the slot to provide different constraints at different stages of insertion. During insertion, the opening at the first end allows the protrusion to enter freely. Once inserted, the closed second end and the geometry of the slot create lateral constraint and prevent removal or reverse insertion. This dynamic constraint mechanism provides reliable securing without requiring complex static locking structures.
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
This design enhances the cashbox's adaptability and reliability by enabling secure, bidirectional installation within self-service terminal devices, reducing the need for multiple cashbox types and lowering user costs while maintaining proper alignment with the money recognizing mechanism.
Implementation Method 1
a positioning member 321' which is elastically retractable in an up-and-down direction and matches with the positioning notch 311' is arranged on each of the guide rails 32'
Data Source
AI summary
A cashbox having a rectangular cuboid structure, wherein external walls of the cashbox comprise a left box wall (21) and a right box wall (22) arranged oppositely, a front box wall (24) and a rear box wall arranged oppositely, and a top wall (23) and a bottom wall arranged oppositely, wherein slots (26; 27) are respectively provided on two box walls which are of the external walls, arranged oppositely and parallel to an inserting direction of the cashbox, and both ends of each of the slots (26; 27) in the inserting direction are inserting openings.