Paper Sheet Storage Container Using Airflow for One-By-One Extraction

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing paper sheet handling systems require complex mechanisms or labor-intensive methods to reliably extract separator cards one-by-one, leading to high costs.

Innovation Solution

A paper sheet storage container with an elastic member biasing a placing table upward, a holding member, and side wall holes for air flow, allowing the uppermost sheet to be raised and separated by air, facilitating easy extraction.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a complex paper sheet feeding device with sheet feeding mechanism and sensors is used to extract separator cards one-by-one, then the separator cards can be reliably extracted, but the cost becomes high

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvereliability of separator card extractionVSAvoidcomplexity of paper sheet feeding device

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces complex mechanical sheet feeding mechanisms and sensors with a simple air flow system. Air is blown through holes in the container bottom to raise the uppermost paper sheet, enabling extraction without mechanical grippers, feeders, or detection sensors. This substitutes a complex mechanical system with a simple pneumatic field-based system.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses pneumatic pressure to achieve paper sheet extraction. Air is supplied through multiple holes in the bottom of the container, creating upward pressure that raises the uppermost paper sheet to the container opening, allowing easy removal without mechanical components.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #29Pneumatics and hydraulics

2Productivity

If separator cards are extracted one-by-one using a paper sheet feeding device, then continuous processing is enabled, but the cost and complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecontinuous bill counting processingVSAvoidcomplexity of paper sheet feeding device

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces complex mechanical sheet feeding mechanisms and sensors with a simple air flow system. Air is blown through holes in the container bottom to raise the uppermost paper sheet, enabling extraction without mechanical grippers, feeders, or detection sensors. This substitutes a complex mechanical system with a simple pneumatic field-based system.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses pneumatic pressure to achieve paper sheet extraction. Air is supplied through multiple holes in the bottom of the container, creating upward pressure that raises the uppermost paper sheet to the container opening, allowing easy removal without mechanical components.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #29Pneumatics and hydraulics

3Device complexity

If manual extraction of separator cards is performed, then the mechanism is simple, but labor costs increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesimplicity of extraction mechanismVSAvoidlabor time for separator card extraction

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent enables the system to extract paper sheets automatically without manual intervention. The air blowing mechanism automatically raises the uppermost sheet, and the sheet taking-out unit removes it, eliminating the need for manual extraction while keeping the mechanism simple and avoiding labor time losses.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

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

Enables accurate and efficient one-by-one removal of paper sheets using a simple mechanism, reducing costs and complexity.

Implementation Method 1

an elastic member disposed between the bottom portion and the paper sheet placing table and urging the paper sheet placing table upward

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElastic force: Elasticity

Implementation Method 2

the side wall portion is provided with a hole allowing air to flow from the outside to a position lower than the height of the surface of the uppermost paper sheet

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectAir flow: Convection

Data Source

PatentUS12565391B2Paper sheet storage container

Publication Date: 2026.03.03 JAPAN CASH MASCH CO LTD

AI summary

A paper sheet storage container capable of accurately taking out paper sheets one-by-one. A paper sheet group is held by a paper sheet placing table and holding members, while the paper sheet placing table is being biased upward by an elastic member so that the position of an uppermost paper sheet of the paper sheet group placed on the paper sheet placing table is substantially the same position as the positions of holes through which air flows. In this state, in the paper sheet storage container, air is blown from a side to the uppermost paper sheet of the paper sheet group placed on the paper sheet placing table thereby allowing the uppermost paper sheet to be brought into a state in which the vicinity of the center thereof has been raised.