In-line Currency Bundler for Automated Bank Note Stacking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional bank note processing machines are inefficient in bundling smaller stacks of bank notes for transportation, requiring manual removal and re-bundling outside the machine.
Innovation Solution
In-line bundlers integrated within the bank note processing machine that rotate and wrap stacks of bank notes into larger, transportable bundles using a modular design, eliminating the need for separate bundling machines.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If traditional separate bundling machines are used, then bundling function is provided, but device complexity increases and processing speed decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the bundling function with the existing currency processing machine by integrating a bundler module that includes a wrapping device and stacking device. This merging eliminates the need for separate bundling machines while providing automated bundling capability, directly resolving the contradiction between automation extent and device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The currency processing machine is enhanced with multi-functionality by incorporating the bundling capability into the existing device. The machine can now perform both currency processing and bundling operations, reducing the need for additional specialized equipment while maintaining high automation levels.
2Productivity
If manual removal and re-bundling is performed, then handling flexibility is provided, but productivity decreases and time is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The integrated bundler enables continuous operation by automatically receiving stacks from the currency processing machine and bundling them without interruption. The wrapping device and stacking device work in sequence to maintain continuous useful action, eliminating manual handling pauses and significantly improving productivity while reducing time loss.
Solution Approach 2:
The bundling process is performed immediately after currency processing without manual intervention. The system prepares and bundles stacks in advance of when they would otherwise be removed manually, ensuring continuous workflow and maximizing processing speed while minimizing time loss.
3Manufacturing precision
If smaller stacks are produced, then sorting precision is improved, but transportation efficiency deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple small stacks into larger bundles using the integrated bundler. The stacking device accumulates individual stacks and the wrapping device consolidates them into larger, transport-efficient bundles, thereby maintaining sorting precision while improving transportation efficiency through automated consolidation.
Solution Approach 2:
The bundling process nests multiple smaller stacks within a single larger bundle. Individual stacks are placed within the wrapping material and consolidated into a nested configuration, maintaining the precision of individual stack sorting while achieving transportation efficiency through compact bundled arrangement.
Data Source
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AI summary
Presently disclosed embodiments are directed to systems and methods for bundling smaller stacks of bank notes into larger sized bundles that are efficient for transportation. The system may include an in-line bundler disposed along pockets of a currency processor for receiving stacks of bank notes directly from the pocket. That way, the smaller stacks of bank notes do not have to be removed from the currency processor and transported to a separate bundler machine. Instead, the currency processor features a desired number of bundler machines disposed in-line with the corresponding pockets where the bank notes are initially received and stacked. This arrangement may enable efficient stacking and bundling of bank notes sorted via the currency processor.