Dual Shutter Medium Storage Box for Rigid Casing and Automatic Opening
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional medium storage boxes have a thin casing due to large shutter members, making them prone to damage from impacts and lacking in rigidity, and often require manual operation or dedicated actuators for secure closure.
Innovation Solution
A medium storage box design featuring two smaller shutter members and a biasing mechanism that allows the first shutter member to press and open the second shutter member during insertion, enabling automatic opening and improved casing rigidity without a single large shutter.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a single large shutter member is used to close both openings, then the security and closure function is achieved, but the casing rigidity deteriorates due to thinner surrounding casing
Solution Approach 1:
The single large shutter member is divided into two separate shutter members (first shutter member for the first opening, second shutter member for the second opening). This segmentation allows each shutter to be smaller and positioned such that the casing surrounding them can be made thicker, thereby improving casing rigidity while maintaining the closure security function.
2Ease of operation
If manual operation is required to open the shutter member, then the operation control is simple, but the automation level deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The shutter members are designed to open automatically through self-service mechanism. When the medium storage box is inserted into the medium handling device, the insertion action itself triggers the opening of both shutter members through mechanical interaction (the first shutter member presses against the second shutter member), eliminating the need for separate manual operation while maintaining operational simplicity.
3Extent of automation
If a dedicated actuator is provided to open the shutter member automatically, then the automation level is improved, but the device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses the insertion motion itself to trigger the shutter opening sequence without requiring dedicated actuators. The first shutter member is pressed by the insertion member and automatically moves to open the second shutter member through mechanical abutment, achieving automation while avoiding additional complex actuating mechanisms and reducing overall device complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
A medium storage box includes an internal storage space configured to store a paper sheet-shaped medium. The medium storage box includes: a first opening into which an insertion member is inserted from outside; a second opening through which the medium passes; a first shutter member that closes off the first opening; a second shutter member that closes off the second opening; and a biasing mechanism that biases either the first shutter member, or the second shutter member, or both, in a closing direction. The first shutter member is configured to be pressed by the insertion member and moves in an opening direction during insertion of the insertion member, such that a portion of the first shutter member abuts the second shutter member and moves the second shutter member in an opening direction.