Gravity-Actuated Cash Box Locking Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing cash boxes used in ATMs and automatic cash registers face issues where the cover can unintentionally open when subjected to impact loads, such as accidental drops, due to low spring constant tension springs, leading to potential loss of notes, while using high spring constant tension springs makes it difficult for operators to open the box.
Innovation Solution
A cash box design featuring a securing element that rotates about an axis, locking the closure element in place until the box is inclined at a minimum angle, preventing unintentional unlocking during impacts and allowing easy manual opening when returned to a non-inclined position.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a tension spring with a small spring constant is used, then the cash box can be opened easily by the operator, but the cover can spring open unintentionally when the cash box is dropped due to impact loads
Solution Approach 1:
The securing element is designed to rotate between a first position (allowing opening) and a second position (preventing opening) based on the inclination of the cash box. This dynamic repositioning allows the system to adapt its locking behavior according to operational conditions, resolving the contradiction between ease of opening and resistance to unintentional opening.
Solution Approach 2:
The securing element is positioned in the second position (blocking the closure element) before any impact occurs. This preliminary positioning prevents the harmful effect of unintentional opening by anticipating potential impact loads, while still allowing easy opening when the box is in its normal horizontal position.
2Reliability
If a tension spring with a large spring constant is used, then the cover remains locked during impact loads, but the operator has to apply a great deal of force to open the locking mechanism
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of using a static high-force spring, the system uses a dynamic securing element that rotates based on box inclination. This eliminates the need for high spring constants while maintaining reliability, as the securing element passively blocks the closure element only when needed (during transport/inclined positions).
Solution Approach 2:
The securing element acts as an intermediary between the closure element and the housing, mediating the locking behavior. It allows the closure element to move freely in horizontal position (easy opening) while blocking it in inclined positions (preventing unintentional opening), thus resolving the force contradiction.
3Ease of operation
If the closure element is allowed to move freely for easy opening, then the operator can open the box easily, but the closure element moves into the unlocked state during impact due to inertia and impulse
Solution Approach 1:
The securing element is positioned in advance (in the second position) to prevent the harmful effect of impact-induced unlocking. By blocking the closure element before impact occurs, the system neutralizes the potential harmful effect of inertia and impulse during transport.
Solution Approach 2:
The system converts the potential harm of impact loads into a beneficial conditional locking mechanism. The securing element uses the inclination caused by dropping or improper handling as a trigger to automatically engage the blocking position, turning a harmful event into a security feature.
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 design ensures the cash box remains closed during impacts, preventing note loss and allows easy operation by maintaining the locked state until the box is intentionally opened, enhancing security and usability.
Implementation Method 1
a securing element (58) that is mounted such that it can rotate about an axis of rotation (A) and which is arranged in a horizontal, first position of the container in such a way that the closure element (34) can be moved into the unlocked state for unlocking in the unlocking direction (P1) and in a second position of the container due to its gravity opposite the first position of the container is rotated relative to the housing part in such a way that a safety area (64) of the safety element prevents the closure element from moving from the locked state into the unlocked state
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a container (10) for receiving vouchers, comprising a housing part (12) and a cover (14) for closing an opening of the housing part (12). The cover (14) has a closure element (34) displaceably in at least one unlocking direction (P1), engaging with an engagement region (48) of the housing part (12) designed to be complementary to the closure element (34). The closure element (34) is displaceable in the unlocking direction (P1) into an unlocked state for unlocking. The container (10) further comprises a rotatably supported retaining element (58) disposed in a first position of the container (10), such that the closure element (34) can be displaced in the unlocking direction (P1) from the locked state into the unlocked state for unlocking. In a second position of the container (10) tilted by at least a minimum tilt angle relative to the first position, the retaining element (58) is rotated relative to the housing part (12) due to the weight thereof, such that a retaining region (64) of the retaining element (58) prevents the closure element (34) from displacing from the locked into the unlocked state.