Compact Intake Module for Banknote Processing

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing valuable document processing systems require manual preparation and complex handling of valuable documents, such as banknotes, which complicates the feeding process and increases the need for elaborate transport mechanisms.

Innovation Solution

A compact input module with a removal device, dispensing device, and transport device that allows for automatic or manual feeding of banknotes from containers to a processing device, utilizing a gripper for removal and a transport mechanism that uses a subsequent container to efficiently move empty containers to an output position, simplifying the process and reducing the need for multiple transport units.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If manual preparation and complex handling of valuable documents is used, then the feeding process can be performed, but the system complexity and handling effort increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefeeding processVSAvoidtransport mechanism
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The transport mechanism uses the weight of the subsequently conveyed container to automatically move the previously conveyed container from the removal position to the output position. The system serves itself by utilizing the incoming container as both the transport medium and the payload carrier, eliminating the need for separate transport motors or mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The container serves multiple functions: it acts as both the payload carrier for valuable documents and the transport mechanism for moving other containers. The same container that carries banknotes also functions as the means to transport empty containers back to the output position, reducing the need for dedicated transport equipment.

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

2Reliability

If multiple transport units are used to move containers, then container transport can be achieved, but the device complexity and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecontainer transportVSAvoidtransport mechanism
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the function of transporting valuable documents with the function of transporting empty containers into a single integrated process. The same conveyance mechanism handles both loaded containers moving to the removal position and empty containers returning to the output position, combining multiple transport functions into one system.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The transport system is self-sustaining as each container that is conveyed to the removal position automatically serves as the transport mechanism for the next container. The system uses its own operational elements (the containers themselves) to perform the transport function, eliminating the need for external transport units.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

3Volume of moving object

If a compact input module is designed, then the system size is reduced, but the transport mechanism must be simplified

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinput moduleVSAvoidtransport mechanism
Core Design Contradiction:
Volume of moving objectVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The compact transport mechanism relies on the self-service principle where the container's own movement and positioning enables the transport function. The container is conveyed to the removal position, performs its function, and then the same container or subsequent containers automatically return empty containers to the output position without requiring additional space-consuming transport equipment.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

Instead of using a separate mechanism to move empty containers to the output position, the system inverts the approach by using the weight and movement of subsequently conveyed loaded containers to perform the return transport. The transport direction and timing are inverted to match the natural flow of container conveyance.

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

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 solution streamlines the feeding process, enhancing the compactness and simplicity of the system, ensuring secure and efficient transportation of valuable documents while minimizing the complexity of the transport mechanism, thus improving the overall efficiency of valuable document processing.

Implementation Method 1

The removal device can be designed as a gripper that can remove the valuable documents from the container in stacks

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectGripper mechanism: Mechanical Force

Implementation Method 2

a conveying device which is designed to convey a container located in the receiving position from the receiving position to the removal position

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMechanical conveyance: Mechanical Force

Data Source

PatentEP3080785B1Intake module and method for supplying value documents to a value document processing device and a system for processing value documents
Publication Date: 2024.05.08 GIESECKE & DEVRIENT CURRENCY TECHNOLOGY GMBH
  • EP3080785B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3080785B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP3080785B1 patent drawingFigure 5~6

AI summary

The invention relates to an input module (10) and a corresponding method for supplying value documents, in particular bank notes, to at least one value document processing device, comprising an extraction device (27) for extracting value documents from a first container (1) located in an extraction position and supplying the extracted value documents to a value document processing device, a dispensing device (16) for accommodating at least one container (1) in a dispensing position in which the container (1) can be extracted, and a conveying device (25, 26) for conveying the container within the intake module. The invention enables a simple and compact construction of the intake module (10) and system and/or a simple process for supplying value documents to a value document processing device.