Flexible Document Simulation Using Segmented Rigid Bodies
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing simulation methods for mechanized flexible document transport processes are complex, costly, and inefficient, making it difficult to accurately simulate the transport of flexible documents like banknotes without significant prototyping and testing costs.
Innovation Solution
A computer-implemented model of a flexible document using a MultiBody simulation method, where the flexible document is decomposed into rigid bodies connected by springs and joints, allowing for the simulation of the transport process in a feeder of a banknote transport apparatus.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If prior art simulation methods are used for mechanized flexible document transport, then simulation capability is provided, but the methods are complex, costly, and inefficient with poor reliability
Solution Approach 1:
The flexible document is decomposed into multiple rigid bodies (e.g., 10-50 segments) connected by connecting elements. Each rigid body maintains fixed internal structure while the connections between segments enable flexible behavior. This segmentation transforms the complex flexible body simulation into manageable rigid body dynamics with simplified connection models, resolving the contradiction between reliability and complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of directly simulating the continuous flexible document, the invention creates a discrete segmented model that copies the essential flexible behavior through rigid bodies connected by springs/dampers. This copied model achieves comparable simulation reliability while being computationally simpler and more efficient than direct flexible body simulation methods.
2Reliability
If prototypes are developed to study reliability of mechanized flexible document transport, then operational reliability can be tested, but significant time and costs are required
Solution Approach 1:
The segmented simulation model enables preliminary virtual testing of transport mechanisms before physical prototyping. By simulating document transport through feeders, rollers, and transport paths using the segmented model, reliability issues can be identified and resolved in the virtual domain, reducing the need for iterative physical prototyping and accelerating development time.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention creates a virtual copy of the flexible document behavior through segmented rigid bodies that can be used for extensive testing without physical material consumption. This virtual copying allows multiple test scenarios to be evaluated rapidly, replacing time-consuming physical prototype iterations.
3Measurement precision
If flexible document transport is simulated with high accuracy, then transport optimization is achieved, but simulation efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the flexible document into rigid bodies with defined connection elements, the simulation achieves precise control over document behavior at each segment while maintaining computational efficiency. The segmentation allows localized accuracy where needed (at connection points and contact zones) without requiring excessive computational resources across the entire document, thus balancing precision and efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention enables efficient simulation by changing the modeling parameters from continuous flexible material properties to discrete rigid body parameters with connection element properties (spring constants, damping coefficients). This parameter transformation maintains simulation precision for transport analysis while significantly improving computational efficiency and productivity.
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 approach enables high-performance simulation of flexible document transport, significantly reducing prototyping and testing costs, and allowing for optimization of the transport process while analyzing behavior at the microsecond level.
Implementation Method 1
a first connection spring having a rotational stiffness about a rotational axis
Implementation Method 2
a first connection damper having a rotational damping factor about a rotational axis
Data Source
AI summary
A model of a flexible document for use in a mechanized flexible document transport process. The flexible document is decomposed into at least one layer comprising parallelepiped-shaped rigid bodies, and each rigid body is connected to all rigid bodies that are adjacent to it by connecting elements connected to connection edges of adjacent rigid bodies. Each connection edge is connected to an edge connecting a rigid body adjacent to it by: (1) a first connection spring having a rotational stiffness about a rotation axis orthogonal to the thickness axis of said connected rigid body and to the axis where the connected rigid body is connected to the adjacent rigid body, and (2) a connecting structure selected from:three springs having a translational stiffness along the connected rigid body's longitudinal axis, the connected rigid body's transverse axis, and the connected rigid body's thickness axis, respectively. anda ball joint.