Interactive Money Saving System with Sensor Feedback

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing money saving systems are limited in application, difficult to manage, lack educational learning, fail to interact appropriately with users, do not facilitate fund transfers to savings institutions, and do not induce positive saving behavior.

Innovation Solution

A money saving system comprising a container with a slot, hinged door, hook member, locking device, and sensor modules that include a slot sensor, hook sensor, audio module, and control module to promote saving through audio broadcasts and reminders, facilitating the storage and transfer of funds while encouraging positive saving habits.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a traditional penny bank is used, then it provides simple coin storage, but it lacks interactive features and educational value

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinteractive featuresVSAvoidsystem complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The penny bank is transformed into a multi-functional system that combines coin storage, interactive displays, educational content delivery, and communication capabilities. The display module shows animated characters and messages, the audio module provides verbal encouragement, and the communication module enables interaction with remote users, thereby achieving multiple functions within a single device.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

A control module serves as an intermediary that coordinates between various components including the display module, audio module, communication module, and coin storage mechanism. This central controller integrates the functions and manages their interactions, allowing the system to operate cohesively without requiring complex direct connections between all components.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Adaptability or versatility

If a penny bank is used, then it provides local storage, but it fails to facilitate transfer of funds to savings institutions

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefund transfer capabilityVSAvoidsystem complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The communication module acts as an intermediary between the local coin storage and remote savings institutions. It transmits information about stored coins and facilitates coordination for fund transfers, enabling the penny bank to connect with external financial systems without requiring direct integration with banking infrastructure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The system combines local physical storage with digital communication capabilities, allowing it to function both as a traditional piggy bank and as a connected financial tool. This dual functionality enables automatic tracking of stored funds and coordination with savings institutions for automatic transfers.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Adaptability or versatility

If a penny bank is used, then it provides passive storage, but it fails to induce positive saving behavior

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvebehavioral incentive capabilityVSAvoidsystem complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The display module and audio module provide immediate feedback to users when coins are deposited. Animated characters display encouraging messages and the audio module provides verbal praise, creating a positive reinforcement loop that motivates continued saving behavior. This feedback mechanism transforms passive storage into an engaging experience.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The system pre-loads encouraging messages and animated character responses that are ready to be displayed immediately when coins are deposited. This preliminary preparation of motivational content ensures that positive reinforcement is always available and instantly delivered, maximizing the behavioral incentive effect.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentUS9033758B2Money saving system
Publication Date: 2015.05.19 BURNS PEGGY ANN WINONA
  • US9033758B2 patent drawing
  • US9033758B2 patent drawing
  • US9033758B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A system for facilitating the saving of money including a container having a slot disposed through a top surface of the container. The system includes a hinged door, a hook member, and a locking device. The system includes a slot sensor module configured to sense objects passing through the slot; and a hook sensor module configured to sense utilization of the hook member. The system includes an audio module configured to provide audio broadcasts. The system includes a control module configured to provide operational controls to the modules of the system. The control module includes a timing module and program module, the program module including an instruction set providing for an audio broadcast of the audio module triggered by a predetermined association of a sensor event and the passing of a predetermined period of time. The system includes a first bag and a second bag configured to store money.