Depository Drum Lock Mechanism Using Electromagnetic Actuation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current depository systems face inefficiencies in accepting and processing deposit items, particularly in verifying contents and crediting accounts in a timely manner, especially when deposits are made outside regular business hours or in unstaffed environments.

Innovation Solution

A depository apparatus that uses a movable drum with a lock mechanism controlled by an electromagnetic actuator, coupled with an image sensor and controller, allows for pre-registered deposit items to be identified and authenticated, enabling automated acceptance and secure storage, and remote account crediting through a networked system.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If manual verification of deposit contents is performed, then accuracy of account crediting is improved, but processing time is increased

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveaccuracy of account creditingVSAvoidprocessing time

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces manual mechanical verification with an electromagnetic actuator system that automatically opens the drum upon receiving a correct code input. This substitution eliminates the need for manual inspection while maintaining security, resolving the contradiction between automation speed and verification accuracy.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The system enables self-service deposit acceptance where the depository unit autonomously verifies codes and opens/drops items without human intervention. The automatic code verification and drum operation allow the system to serve itself, eliminating processing delays while maintaining reliable account crediting through automated tracking.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

2Adaptability or versatility

If depository operates without staff, then availability is improved, but security control becomes more difficult

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveavailabilityVSAvoidsecurity control

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces human security control with an automated electromagnetic actuator system controlled by code input. This mechanical-to-electromagnetic substitution enables unattended operation while maintaining security through automated authentication, resolving the contradiction between availability and security control complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The system introduces a code-based authentication intermediary between the user and the drum opening mechanism. This intermediary layer provides security control without requiring physical human presence, enabling 24/7 availability while maintaining controlled access through automated verification protocols.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Reliability

If drum is manually opened for each deposit, then security is improved, but operational efficiency is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

ImprovesecurityVSAvoidoperational efficiency

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces manual drum opening with an electromagnetic actuator system that automatically opens and closes the drum based on code verification. This substitution maintains security through controlled access while dramatically improving operational efficiency by eliminating repetitive manual operations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The system performs preliminary code verification before drum opening, and automatic closing after item deposit. This preliminary authentication ensures security is maintained while the automated sequence operations improve efficiency by eliminating manual intervention steps between verification and physical drum manipulation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

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 solution streamlines the deposit process by enabling rapid verification and crediting of accounts, reducing the time between deposit and account update, and providing secure, around-the-clock operation for financial and other institutions.

Implementation Method 1

An electromagnetic actuator is in operative connection with the lock member and is configured to selectively cause the lock member to be positioned in the locked and unlocked positions

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectromagnetic actuation: Electromagnetic Induction

Data Source

PatentUS10373447B1Item depository apparatus operated responsive to data bearing records

Publication Date: 2019.08.06 NAUTILUS HYOSUNG AMERICA INC

AI summary

A depository system operates in response to data bearing records. Information regarding planned future deposits is recorded, at least one record visible appearance feature is stored or generated, and data corresponding to the at least one record appearance feature is stored in associated relation with deposit data. The at least one record appearance feature is made visible on a deposit item. The deposit item is subsequently presented to a depository that includes an image sensor. The image sensor operates to read the at least one record appearance feature. At least one controller in the depository causes a determination to be made that at least one record appearance feature corresponds to a pre-registered deposit and such determination enables the deposit item to be received in the depository.