Foreign Object Sensor Controls Dual Shutters in Cash Dispenser
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Solution Overview
Problem
Automatic cash transaction devices have a complex structure due to the need for multiple shutters and sensors, which complicates the money insert/dispensing portion and increases the number of parts required.
Innovation Solution
A media transaction device with a simplified structure, where the device housing and media processor include a customer interface and processor control sections, and a foreign object sensor controls both the device and processor shutters, eliminating the need for separate sensors at each shutter.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If separate foreign object sensors are provided at each shutter (device shutter and processor shutter), then the sensing of foreign objects is comprehensive, but the device complexity and number of parts increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the foreign object sensing function into a single sensor that detects objects in the overall money insert/dispensing path, eliminating the need for separate sensors at each shutter. This single sensor comprehensively monitors the space between the device shutter and processor shutter, reducing part count while maintaining sensing reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The single foreign object sensor serves multiple purposes: it detects foreign objects that could cause jams, monitors the operational status of both shutters, and provides safety interlocks for the entire money handling mechanism. This multi-functional approach reduces complexity while maintaining comprehensive monitoring.
2Reliability
If multiple shutters are used in the money insert/dispensing portion, then the security and control of media handling is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the control logic for multiple shutters into a unified control system managed by a single foreign object sensor. The sensor's detection results control both the device shutter and processor shutter coordinates, reducing the complexity of having multiple independent sensing and control systems while maintaining the security benefits of multiple shutters.
3Device complexity
If a single foreign object sensor is used for both shutters, then the device complexity is reduced, but the sensing coverage and reliability may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent positions the single foreign object sensor as an intermediary that monitors the critical space between the device shutter and processor shutter. This strategic placement allows the sensor to detect foreign objects that could interfere with either shutter's operation, providing comprehensive coverage for both shutters with a single detection point.
Data Source
AI summary
A media transaction device comprising: a device housing having a front panel; a media processor provided at an interior of the device housing; a media accommodating unit provided at an interior of the media processor; and a foreign matter sensor detecting absence/presence of a foreign object at the media accommodating unit. The front panel includes a first port for inserting and dispensing the media, and a first shutter opening and closing the first port. The media processor includes a second port disposed to face the first port, and a second shutter for opening and closing the second port. The media are inserted into and dispensed from the second port such that the media are inserted into and dispensed from the first port, and opening and closing of the first shutter and the second shutter are controlled based on detection results by the foreign matter sensor.