Curved Transfer Path for Compact Paper Holding

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional printing apparatuses in automatic teller machines require a large vertical space to hold printed paper sheets due to their vertical orientation, leading to a bulky apparatus design.

Innovation Solution

A printing apparatus with a curved transfer path that holds paper sheets in an overlaid state, reducing the need for vertical space by using a main transfer path connected to first and second arc-shaped transfer paths, allowing for efficient transfer and storage of paper sheets without increasing the apparatus's height.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If paper sheets are held in a vertical state under their own weight, then the paper sheets can be easily held and ejected, but the holding section requires a large space in the vertical direction, making the apparatus height large

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of holding and ejecting paper sheetsVSAvoidapparatus height

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSLength of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the holding orientation from vertical to horizontal by introducing a curved transfer path that extends in the lateral direction. The holding section now spans horizontally across the apparatus rather than vertically, allowing paper sheets to be held in an overlaid state without increasing apparatus height. This dimensional reorientation resolves the contradiction by maintaining ease of operation while reducing vertical space requirements.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs a curved transfer path with arc-shaped sections to guide paper sheets from the main transfer path into the holding section. This curved geometry allows smooth transition and compact arrangement of the holding mechanism, enabling horizontal stacking of paper sheets without requiring large vertical clearance, thus reducing overall apparatus height while maintaining operational efficiency.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #14Spheroidality (Curvature)

2Length of stationary object

If a curved transfer path is used to hold paper sheets horizontally, then the apparatus height is reduced, but the transfer path complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveapparatus heightVSAvoidtransfer path structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Length of stationary objectVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The transfer path is divided into distinct functional sections: a main transfer path for linear paper movement, and a curved transfer path with first and second arc-shaped sections for transitioning paper into the holding section. This segmentation allows each section to be optimized independently, managing complexity through modular design while achieving the height reduction goal.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The curved transfer path uses arc-shaped geometry to smoothly guide paper sheets from the main transfer path into the horizontal holding position. This curvature enables compact spatial arrangement that reduces apparatus height while maintaining simple, continuous paper flow without requiring complex mechanical interventions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #14Spheroidality (Curvature)

Data Source

PatentUS8047544B2Printing apparatus

Publication Date: 2011.11.01 TOSHIBA TEC KK

AI summary

A printing apparatus includes a holding section connected to a downstream end of a main transfer path for consecutively transferring paper sheets and formed of a curved transfer path, which consecutively transfers the paper sheets led out from the main transfer path in a curved state and holds them in an overlaid state.