Dual-Stack Document Storage Bin Sliding Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing self-service document depositing systems, such as ATMs, face challenges in increasing document storage capacity without adding additional hardware to the pocketing module, which requires extra document storage bins and complicates the document transport mechanism.
Innovation Solution
A dual-stack document storage bin is introduced, featuring a U-shaped container with a mechanism for horizontal sliding movement, allowing documents to be stacked in two separate chambers within the same footprint, effectively doubling storage capacity without increasing the module's height or depth.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If another document storage bin is added to the pocketing module to increase storage capacity, then document storage capacity is improved, but device complexity and hardware requirements worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The single storage bin is segmented into two separate document storage chambers, allowing documents to be stored in two separate stacks within the same physical footprint. This segmentation enables doubled storage capacity without requiring an additional storage bin, thereby avoiding increased device complexity and hardware requirements
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes the horizontal dimension by implementing a sliding mechanism that moves a partition wall between two chambers. This allows the storage bin to effectively use horizontal space for creating two storage zones, rather than adding vertical height or external expansion, thus increasing capacity without proportionally increasing overall device footprint
2Quantity of substance
If another document storage bin is added to the pocketing module, then document storage capacity is improved, but cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
Two storage chambers are merged into a single integrated storage bin structure, sharing common walls, bottom, and control mechanisms. This merging approach achieves doubled storage capacity while using fewer materials and components compared to installing two separate storage bins, thereby reducing manufacturing costs
3Quantity of substance
If the module size is expanded to accommodate additional storage, then document storage capacity is improved, but the document transport path length increases
Solution Approach 1:
The storage expansion is achieved horizontally within the existing module footprint by utilizing the sliding partition mechanism, rather than expanding the module vertically or externally. This maintains the document transport path length within the original module boundaries, preventing deterioration of transport efficiency
Data Source
AI summary
A dual-stack document storage bin comprises a substantially U-shaped container including a first bottom wall which interconnects first and second sidewalls to provide (i) the substantially U-shape, and (ii) a first document storage chamber which is defined between the first and second sidewalls and into which documents can be stacked to form a first stack of documents when the U-shaped container is in a first position. The dual-stack document storage bin further comprises a substantially L-shaped housing including a second bottom wall and a third sidewall which is disposed relative to the second bottom wall to provide (i) the substantially L-shape, and (ii) a second document storage chamber which is defined between the third side wall and the second sidewall and into which documents can be stacked to form a second stack of documents when the U-shaped container is in a second position which is different from the first position. The dual-stack document storage bin also comprises a mechanism operatively coupled between the first and second bottom walls to support substantially horizontal sliding movement of the U-shaped container between the first position in which documents can be stacked onto the first stack of documents in the first document storage chamber and the second position in which documents can be stacked onto the second stack of documents in the second document storage chamber.