Document Cassette Stacking Mechanism with Dynamic Shutter Gap
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing stacking mechanisms for documents in vending machines are complex, expensive, and inefficient due to their design, which complicates the handling of documents of different sizes, requiring increased space and force, and are prone to jams.
Innovation Solution
A stacking mechanism with movable shutter members that adjust the gap size, allowing for a compact and robust design capable of handling various document sizes, featuring a pusher plate and shutter members that move concurrently or independently, utilizing a rack and pinion mechanism or friction contact, with chamfered tips and low-friction materials to prevent jams.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a fixed small gap is used to securely retain smallest documents, then document retention is improved, but larger documents require folding and deep insertion increasing stroke and force requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The gap between shutter members is made dynamic rather than fixed. The shutters can move relative to each other to adjust the gap width, allowing it to be small for securing documents and large for facilitating insertion, thus resolving the contradiction between retention and insertion ease
2Reliability
If a fixed small gap is used to securely retain smallest documents, then document retention is improved, but larger documents require folding and deep insertion increasing force requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The dynamic gap adjustment allows the shutter members to spread apart during document insertion, reducing the force needed to push larger documents through. After insertion, the gap closes to secure the document, thus resolving the contradiction between retention and force requirements
3Productivity
If scissor type stacking mechanisms are used, then stacking capability is achieved, but the number of parts increases making the mechanism complicated and expensive
Solution Approach 1:
The complex scissor mechanism is replaced by extracting only the essential function of document pushing. A simple pusher plate performs the stacking function without the complicated interconnected parts of scissor mechanisms, thus resolving the contradiction between productivity and device complexity
4Productivity
If piston-type stackers are used, then stacking capability is achieved, but the construction becomes complicated and expensive
Solution Approach 1:
The piston-type stacker is replaced by extracting the essential pushing function. A simple pusher plate without piston complexity achieves the same stacking capability, thus resolving the contradiction between productivity and construction complexity
5Ease of operation
If the gap is enlarged to accommodate larger documents, then insertion ease is improved, but the ability to securely retain smallest documents deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The dynamic shutter adjustment allows the gap to be large during insertion for ease of operation, then close automatically to secure documents of any size. This temporal separation of functions resolves the contradiction between insertion ease and document retention
Data Source
AI summary
A stacking mechanism for a cassette to store documents, a document cassette assembly comprising a stacking mechanism, and a method of stacking a document into a document cassette are described. The stacking mechanism can include a pusher plate that is adapted to push documents into the cassette. At least two shutter members of the stacking mechanism can be arranged to define a gap between each other. The shutter members can be movable. During a stacking operation, the shutter members can be moved so that the gap between the shutter members is enlarged. The documents can be pushed into the cassette through the enlarged gap by the pusher plate. Related apparatus, systems, techniques, and articles are also described.