Magnetic Guiding Element Orientation for Note Handling Modules

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing devices for handling notes of value, such as automated teller machines, face challenges in reliably maintaining the correct orientation of guiding elements due to spring wear and manufacturing tolerances, leading to inconsistent guidance during note transport.

Innovation Solution

The use of magnets and ferromagnetic materials to create an attractive force between guiding elements, combined with elastically deformable elements and positioning levers, ensures a secure and reliable orientation of guiding elements in the operating position, preventing unintended movement and ensuring accurate note guidance.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If springs are used to hold guiding elements in the operating position, then the guiding elements can be easily returned to position after module movement, but the springs are subject to wear and manufacturing tolerances causing unreliable orientation

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvereturn to operating positionVSAvoidcorrect orientation of guiding elements
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the spring-based mechanical holding system with a magnetic field-based holding system. Magnets are integrated into the guiding elements to provide a wear-free, tolerance-insensitive holding force that reliably maintains the operating position without the degradation issues of spring-based systems.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the physical parameter used for holding from elastic force (springs) to magnetic force. This parameter change eliminates wear and reduces sensitivity to manufacturing tolerances, as magnetic fields do not degrade over time like mechanical springs do.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Reliability

If guiding elements project into the head module for reliable note guidance, then note transport reliability improves, but assembly and maintenance become more difficult

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvenote transport reliabilityVSAvoidassembly and maintenance
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of repair

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the device into separable modules (safe module and head module) with the transfer module serving as an interface. The guiding elements are integrated into the transfer module in a way that allows the head module to be moved away for maintenance while the guiding elements remain in place, facilitating easier repair without compromising guidance reliability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

3Ease of repair

If the head module is made movable relative to the safe for maintenance access, then ease of maintenance improves, but the guiding elements must be foldable adding complexity

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemaintenance accessVSAvoidfoldable guiding elements
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of repairVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the foldable mechanical guiding element design with a magnetic holding system. The magnets provide a holding force that allows the guiding elements to maintain their position during module movement without requiring complex folding mechanisms, thereby reducing overall device complexity while maintaining maintenance accessibility.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

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 solution guarantees a consistent and reliable orientation of guiding elements, enhancing the precision and safety of note transport between modules, reducing material fatigue, and simplifying assembly and maintenance.

Implementation Method 1

The first magnet and the second magnet or the first magnet and the ferromagnetic material are arranged opposite to each other at least in the operating state, an attractive force acting between the first magnet and the second magnet or the first magnet and the ferromagnetic material

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMagnetic attractive force: Magnetism

Implementation Method 2

a first elastically deformable element is provided, which exerts a holding force on the first guiding element for holding the first guiding element in the operating position

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElastic force: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentEP3509042B1Device for handling notes of value
Publication Date: 2021.09.15 WINCOR NIXDORF INT GMBH
  • EP3509042B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3509042B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3509042B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The invention relates to a device for handling notes of value, comprising a first, a second and a third module. The third module comprises a first guiding element and at least a second guiding element for guiding the notes of value. The first guiding element comprises at least a first magnet or a ferromagnetic material. The first magnet and the second magnet or the first magnet and the ferromagnetic material are arranged opposite to each other at least in an operating state, an attractive force acting between the first magnet and the second magnet or the first magnet and the ferromagnetic material.