Paper-Sheet Partition Structure for Wider Banknote Handling Space

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing banknote insertion/withdrawal units in automatic transaction apparatuses face issues with reduced insertion and take-out amounts due to the tapered shape of the pusher, which increases the thickness and size of the insertion/take-out space, causing interference and inefficiency.

Innovation Solution

A paper sheet handling apparatus with a partition section that includes a movable member at its leading end, allowing the partition to move between facing sections to form wider insertion and take-out spaces without a tapered shape, facilitated by a movable member that adjusts to widen the space for easy insertion and withdrawal.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If the pusher assumes a tapered shape to prevent hand interference, then ease of operation is improved, but the insertion amount and take-out amount of banknotes decrease

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of insertionVSAvoidinsertion amount
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The pusher is divided into two functional parts: a tapered leading end portion that prevents hand interference and facilitates easy insertion, and a thicker base portion that provides structural support and increases the insertion amount. This segmentation allows each part to optimize its function independently.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The pusher exhibits non-uniform thickness distribution along its length, with the leading end portion being thinner for ease of operation and the base portion being thicker for increased capacity. This local quality variation resolves the contradiction between ease of insertion and insertion amount.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

2Ease of operation

If the pusher assumes a tapered shape, then ease of operation is improved, but the insertion/take-out space becomes large-sized

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of take-outVSAvoidinsertion/take-out space
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSVolume of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The pusher structure is segmented into a tapered leading end and a compact base, allowing the space-consuming tapered shape to be localized only where needed for ease of operation, while the base remains compact to minimize overall space requirements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The pusher is designed to move between different positions (insertion position and take-out position), dynamically adjusting the available space. The tapered shape facilitates easy take-out operation while the movable nature of the pusher allows the space to be optimized at different operational stages.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentEP4109425B1Paper-sheet handling device
Publication Date: 2026.03.25 FUJITSU FRONTECH LTD
  • EP4109425B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4109425B1 patent drawingFigure 2A
  • EP4109425B1 patent drawingFigure 2B

AI summary

A paper sheet handling apparatus (100) includes: a first facing section (10) and a second facing section (20) that are disposed to face each other across an insertion/take-out space (S); a partition section (30) that is disposed between the first and second facing sections so as to be capable of moving in a facing direction (D1) in which the first and second facing sections face each other, forms, within the insertion/take-out space, an insertion space (S1) between the partition section and the first facing section, and forms, within the insertion/take-out space, a take-out space (S2) between the partition section and the second facing section. The partition section includes a movable member (31) provided at a leading end portion of the partition section on an insertion/take-out port (61) side and capable of moving toward each of the first facing section and the second facing section.