Document Handler Validator Attachment Mechanism

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing bill handling apparatuses face issues with attaching a validator to a frame without physical contact, leading to mechanical damage and increased size constraints, which limits the accommodation of longer bills.

Innovation Solution

A document handler with a cam guide and follower mechanism that allows for detachable attachment of a validator to a frame without physical contact, using a slip-on construction that eliminates the need for additional devices and maintains a compact size.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a validator is attached to a frame using existing methods, then the validator can be securely mounted, but physical contact between the conveyer device and other parts causes mechanical damage

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvevalidator attachment securityVSAvoidmechanical damage to conveyer device

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

A connector is introduced as an intermediary component between the validator and the frame. This connector includes a cam guide and follower mechanism that provides a controlled attachment path, preventing direct physical contact between the conveyer device and the frame or bracket, thereby eliminating mechanical damage while maintaining secure mounting.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The attachment system is segmented into distinct functional components: the connector separate from both the validator and frame, the cam guide mechanism, and the follower mechanism. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function independently, with the connector serving as a buffer that protects the conveyer device while enabling secure attachment.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Object-affected harmful factors

If additional devices are added to prevent mechanical contact, then mechanical damage is prevented, but the device size increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemechanical damage preventionVSAvoiddocument handler size

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The connector is designed to integrate seamlessly with the existing frame structure, merging the protective function into the overall compact design. The cam guide and follower mechanisms are positioned to utilize existing spaces within the document handler, preventing mechanical damage without requiring additional external devices that would increase the overall volume.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The cam guide and follower mechanisms are nested within the existing structure of the document handler. The connector components are positioned to fit within available spaces, allowing the protective mechanism to be contained within the existing footprint rather than adding external bulk to the device.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

3Stability of the object's composition

If the validator is firmly attached to the frame, then stability is improved, but the validator cannot be easily detached for maintenance or exchange

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvevalidator mounting stabilityVSAvoidvalidator detachability

Core Design Contradiction:

Stability of the object's compositionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The connector employs a dynamic cam guide and follower mechanism that allows for easy detachment. The cam guide profile is designed so that by simply pulling the validator outward, the follower naturally disengages from the cam guide, providing a simple one-action release mechanism that maintains stability during operation but enables easy removal when needed.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The connector design allows the validator to be detached through a simple pull action that self-actuates the release mechanism. The cam guide and follower are positioned and dimensioned so that outward movement of the validator automatically causes the follower to disengage from the cam guide, eliminating the need for additional release mechanisms or complex detachment procedures.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

4Adaptability or versatility

If the stacker capacity is increased to accommodate longer bills, then the range of bill sizes handled is expanded, but the device becomes larger

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvebill size accommodationVSAvoidstacker volume

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The stacker is designed to accommodate longer bills by utilizing vertical space rather than increasing horizontal footprint. The stacker depth and height are optimized to store longer denomination bills in a compact arrangement, allowing the device to handle a wider range of bill sizes without proportionally increasing the overall device volume.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Data Source

PatentEP2494529B1Document handler having validator detachably attached thereto

Publication Date: 2015.04.29 JAPAN CASH MASCH CO LTD

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AI summary

A document handler is provided which comprises a connector (4) made up of cam guides (5) and followers (6) detachably connected to cam guides (5) to detachably attach a validator (2) to a frame (1) in document handler. Cam guides (5) are formed on a pair of side walls (41) of frame (1), and followers (6) are formed on a pair of side walls (51) of validator (2). Each cam guide (5) comprises a distal path (10) for guiding movement of follower (6) to transport validator (2) in a spaced relation to bracket (7), and an access path (11) for guiding follower (6) passed through distal path (10) to bring validator (2) to the fixed position.