Gripper Positioning for Value Document Containers

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current methods for removing document stacks from containers are inefficient due to the need for sequential detection of separating element positions by the gripper, leading to slow processing and potential errors in positioning, which are only discovered during container emptying, resulting in time-consuming manual corrections.

Innovation Solution

Determine the positions of separating elements independently of the gripper before processing, using sensors along the container receptacle to transmit this information to the gripper control, allowing the gripper to position correctly without continuous search, thereby accelerating the removal process and preventing errors.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If the gripper sequentially detects separating element positions using sensors during the removal process, then the gripper can locate documents of value, but the processing speed decreases and errors are only discovered during container emptying

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveseparating element position detectionVSAvoiddocument removal speed
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary action by determining the positions of all separating elements in advance using a sensor device before the gripper begins removal operations. The system scans the container receptacle to identify separating element positions, stores this information in memory, and uses it to guide the gripper throughout the removal process. This eliminates the need for sequential detection during removal, significantly improving processing speed while maintaining accurate positioning.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

2Measurement precision

If the gripper moves slowly over the container to search for the correct lowering position, then positioning accuracy is achieved, but the overall processing time increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvegripper positioning accuracyVSAvoidsearch time for lowering position
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary scanning of the container receptacle to determine separating element positions before gripper operations begin. The sensor device identifies all separating element locations and stores them in memory, allowing the gripper to quickly jump to predetermined positions without slow sequential searching. This maintains positioning accuracy while dramatically reducing the time spent searching for lowering positions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces an intermediary information storage mechanism (memory device) that holds separating element position data. The sensor device acts as an intermediary that collects position information in advance, and the control device uses this stored information to guide the gripper. This intermediary system eliminates the need for real-time sensory feedback during gripper movement, enabling faster positioning while maintaining accuracy.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Device complexity

If incorrect positioning of separating elements is only detected during container emptying, then the system operates with simple detection, but manual correction is required causing time loss

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedetection system simplicityVSAvoidmanual correction time
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary detection of separating element positions using the sensor device before the gripper begins removal operations. This advance detection allows the control device to verify positioning correctness and identify any errors before they affect the removal process. If errors are detected, they can be corrected in advance rather than requiring manual intervention during or after emptying, thus eliminating time loss while maintaining relatively simple detection hardware.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

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 significantly speeds up the removal of document stacks by allowing the gripper to quickly locate the correct positions, ensuring high processing speed even with many small storage areas, and reduces manual effort by identifying errors before emptying the container.

Implementation Method 1

The gripper is equipped with optical sensors, which can be used to detect the light reflected from a reflective strip on the bottom of the container

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLight reflection: Reflection

Data Source

PatentEP2859538B1Method and apparatus for processing value documents
Publication Date: 2019.08.07 GIESECKE & DEVRIENT CURRENCY TECHNOLOGY GMBH
  • EP2859538B1 patent drawingFigure 1a~1c
  • EP2859538B1 patent drawingFigure 1b~2
  • EP2859538B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The present invention relates to the automatic removal of stacks of documents of value from a container with the aid of a gripper. In order to separate different document stacks, the container is subdivided into a plurality of storage regions by partition elements. Since the partition‑element positions of different document containers may differ, the positions at which the partition elements are arranged along the container are determined for the container which is to be processed in each case. Determination of the partition‑element positions takes place independently of the gripper, at a point in time before the gripper is moved in the direction of the container. The information determined in relation to the partition‑element positions belonging to the container is then communicated to a gripper‑control means, which is designed for controlling the movement of the gripper, in order for documents of value to be removed from the container.