Electro-mechanical Bag Coupling for Banknote Machine Security
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current coupling systems for reusable bags in banknote handling and storing machines are prone to safety issues, including unauthorized removal and tampering, due to purely mechanical couplings that lack robust security measures.
Innovation Solution
The system employs electro-mechanical coupling and locking mechanisms between the bag container, the bag-holding frame, and the closure lid, utilizing electro-actuated locks, micro-switches, and position sensors to ensure secure attachment and release, with additional features like RFID tags for authentication, and a safety seal to prevent unauthorized access.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If purely mechanical coupling is used for attaching the bag container to the machine, then the device complexity is reduced and ease of operation is improved, but security against unauthorized removal and tampering deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces purely mechanical coupling with an electro-mechanical coupling system that includes electro-actuated locks, micro-switches, and position sensors. The electro-actuated locks engage with blocking elements on the bag container, and the micro-switches detect the locked position to provide electronic confirmation to the control unit, thereby enhancing security while maintaining operational simplicity through automation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a control unit as an intermediary that coordinates the coupling and uncoupling operations. The control unit receives signals from micro-switches and position sensors, verifies proper lid closure and bag container positioning, and controls the electro-actuated locks, thereby managing the complexity centrally while ensuring secure operations.
2Reliability
If purely mechanical coupling is used for the lid closure, then the ease of operation is improved, but the reliability against tampering after removal deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the purely mechanical lid closure with an electro-mechanical system featuring a second electro-actuated lock that engages with a blocking element on the lid. A second micro-switch detects when the lid is properly closed and locked, providing electronic verification to the control unit. This ensures that the lid cannot be opened without triggering the security system, preventing tampering while maintaining ease of operation through automated locking.
3Reliability
If electro-mechanical coupling with multiple sensors and locks is implemented, then security and anti-tampering protection are improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements multi-functionality in the control unit, which centrally manages multiple functions including receiving signals from position sensors and micro-switches, controlling electro-actuated locks, verifying lid closure, coordinating bag container uncoupling, and preventing premature operations. By consolidating these diverse functions into a single control unit, the system manages complexity through integration while maintaining high security standards.
4Reliability
If the bag container is allowed to be removed without verification, then the ease of operation is improved, but the reliability of authorization control deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback mechanisms through position sensors that detect bag container positioning and micro-switches that verify lid closure and lock engagement. These sensors provide real-time feedback to the control unit, which uses this information to determine whether the bag container is authorized for removal. The control unit only permits uncoupling when it receives confirmation that the lid is properly closed and locked, ensuring authorization control while maintaining ease of operation through automated verification.
Data Source
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AI summary
A system for the safe coupling of a re-usable bag to a banknote handling and storing machine, comprising a bag container (13), comprised of a rigid upper port (15) and of a flexible bag (14) permanently fixed to said rigid port (15), a lid (16), designed to be inserted onto the rigid port (15) for closing the bag container (13) when the filling operations are terminated, and a bag-holding frame (17), suitable for being stably fixed to a safe structure of the machine for supporting and hooking the bag container (13) when placed inside the machine to be filled with the banknotes, is provided with first coupling and hooking electro-mechanical means between the bag container (13) and the bag-holding frame (17) and with second coupling and hooking electro-mechanical means between the lid (16) and the bag container (13), said first and second coupling and hooking electro-mechanical means being interconnected with a control unit to enable the respective functions.