Elastic Guide Element for Banknote Stacking Alignment

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing devices for filling flexible transport containers with notes of value face challenges in quickly and reliably stacking notes without tilting or mixing, especially when notes are fed in rapidly during the stacking and transport processes.

Innovation Solution

The device incorporates an elastic guide element connected to the removal unit, which guides notes vertically onto a base plate, combined with an impeller with elastic wings, ensuring proper alignment and reducing frictional forces, and an elastic guide element on the discharge unit to maintain the stack's shape and stability during transport.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If notes of value are fed in quickly to the stack, then the stacking speed is improved, but the notes may be tilted or not positioned correctly against the previous note

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestacking speedVSAvoidpositioning accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

An elastic guide element is introduced as an intermediary component between the note and the stacking wall. This guide element provides additional guidance to the note during the stacking process, ensuring correct positioning even when notes are fed in quickly. The guide element acts as a mediator that transfers the note from the impeller to the stacking wall while maintaining proper alignment and preventing tilting.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Stability of the object's composition

If the impeller presses the note against the existing stack during rotation, then the stacking stability is improved, but the frictional forces may change the upright position of the note

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestacking stabilityVSAvoidnote orientation
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The elasticity of the guide element is carefully selected to optimize the frictional forces it exerts on the note. The elastic properties are tuned so that the guide element provides sufficient guidance and stability while maintaining frictional forces that are significantly smaller than the weight of the note. This parameter optimization ensures the note maintains its upright position throughout the impeller rotation without being displaced by friction.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Productivity

If the stack is conveyed to the transport container opening, then the transport efficiency is improved, but the notes may tilt or experience changes in position during transport

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetransport efficiencyVSAvoidnote position stability
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The elastic guide element attached to the discharge unit serves as an intermediary that provides continuous guidance to the stack during the conveyance process. As the discharge unit moves the stack toward the transport container opening, the guide element presses gently against the last note of value in the stack, maintaining the stack's geometric shape and preventing tilting or position changes during transport.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

4Ease of manufacture

If a blind device closure unit is used to form the stacking wall, then the stacking function is improved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestacking functionVSAvoidclosure unit structure
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The blind device closure unit is designed to perform multiple functions: it forms the stacking wall during the stacking process, acts as a closure for the transport container, and provides structural support. By making the closure unit multi-functional, the device achieves effective stacking without requiring separate dedicated components for each function, thereby reducing overall device complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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 enables reliable and quick stacking with reduced tilting and mixing, ensuring a compact, ordered stack that can be efficiently moved into the transport container, improving the reliability and stability of the stacking process.

Implementation Method 1

the removal unit has an elastic guide element connected to it, which guides the note of value, which is fed in by the blade of the blade wheel and falls vertically downwards, down to the base plate

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Implementation Method 2

The elasticity of the wing and guide element is selected in such a way that the frictional forces acting on the note of value are significantly smaller than the weight of the note of value

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectFriction: Friction

Implementation Method 3

an impeller with elastic wings, after which each wing carries on a single note of value in a rotating movement

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectCentrifugal force: Centrifugal Force

Implementation Method 4

the elasticity of the wing and guide element is selected in such a way that the frictional forces acting on the note of value are significantly smaller than the weight of the note of value

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Implementation Method 5

the note of value, which is fed in by the blade of the blade wheel and falls vertically downwards, down to the base plate

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectGravity: Gravitation

Implementation Method 6

the guide element attached to the discharge unit presses gently against the last note of value in the stack due to its elasticity, so that this stack changes from a loose state to a somewhat denser state

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentEP2860139B1Apparatus and method for filling a flexible transport container with vouchers
Publication Date: 2016.03.16 WINCOR NIXDORF INT GMBH
  • EP2860139B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2860139B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2860139B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4

AI summary

A device for filling a transport container (14) with sheet-shaped banknotes (12) comprises a feed unit (16) and a discharge unit (42). Banknotes (12) are fed via a fan wheel (28) to form a stack (31). The discharge unit (42) has an elastic guide element (46) which limits the movement of the banknote (12) fed by the fan wheel (30) and falling vertically downwards.