Feeder Module Force Sensing Adjustment for ATM Note Separation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing ATM currency deposit modules face issues with maintaining a constant optimal force as the note stack depletes, leading to errors and jams due to varying force requirements.

Innovation Solution

A feeder module with a force sensor and circuit board that continuously monitors and adjusts the force applied to the note stack, using a pressure paddle and idler rollers to maintain a consistent 120g of force, ensuring optimal processing.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If the force applied to the note stack is increased to ensure single note separation, then note separation reliability improves, but the risk of jams and errors increases when the stack is depleted

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvenote separation reliabilityVSAvoidjams and errors

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a dynamic force adjustment mechanism where the feeder module continuously adapts the applied force based on real-time feedback from a force sensor. As the note stack depletes, the system automatically increases force; when the stack is full, it reduces force. This dynamic adaptation resolves the contradiction by ensuring optimal single-note separation at each stack level without causing jams or errors.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs a closed-loop feedback system using a force sensor to monitor the actual force applied to the note stack. The sensor readings are fed back to the control system, which adjusts the actuator output accordingly. This feedback mechanism enables the system to maintain reliable note separation while preventing harmful effects like jams by continuously adapting to changing stack conditions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

2Ease of operation

If the force applied to the note stack is decreased to prevent jams, then operational smoothness improves, but note separation reliability deteriorates as the stack depletes

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveoperational smoothnessVSAvoidnote separation reliability

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The system dynamically adjusts force levels based on stack depth, transitioning from lower forces (when stack is full) to higher forces (when stack is depleted). This dynamic behavior maintains operational smoothness throughout the process while ensuring reliable note separation at each stage, resolving the contradiction between ease of operation and reliability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the force parameter adaptively based on stack conditions. The control system modifies the force applied by the actuator according to real-time sensor feedback, ensuring that force remains optimal for note separation while preventing jams. This parameter adjustment resolves the contradiction by making the system both smooth-operating and reliable.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Device complexity

If a fixed force mechanism is used in the feeder module, then device complexity is reduced, but the ability to maintain optimal force throughout stack processing is compromised

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefeeder module structureVSAvoidoptimal force maintenance

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a feedback-controlled force adjustment system with a force sensor and control algorithm. Although this increases device complexity compared to a fixed force mechanism, it enables the system to maintain optimal force throughout stack processing by continuously monitoring and adjusting applied force based on real-time conditions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces a purely mechanical fixed-force mechanism with an integrated sensorimetric system that combines force sensing, electronic control, and adaptive actuation. This substitution increases complexity but enables precise maintenance of optimal force levels throughout stack processing, resolving the contradiction between simplicity and performance.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

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

The solution effectively prevents errors and jams by maintaining a consistent force, ensuring reliable processing of notes through the deposit module, even as the stack depletes, with reliable and consistent data readings.

Implementation Method 1

a force sensor assembly including a force sensing resistor

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectForce sensing: Piezoresistive Effect

Data Source

PatentUS9454864B2Feeder module with force sensing adjustment

Publication Date: 2016.09.27 NCR ATLEOS CORP

AI summary

A stack of valuable media for separation within deposit module are inserted into a feeder module. A force sensor regularly receives force readings as the stack of notes are depleted and a pressure paddle is regularly adjusted to maintain a constant and optimal amount of force on the stack of notes using the force readings.