Paper Sheet Inlet Shutter Coupling to Block Foreign Object Entry

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing banknote insertion/withdrawal units in automatic transaction machines are prone to foreign object entry through opening portions, requiring motors and power transmission mechanisms for closure, complicating the structure.

Innovation Solution

A paper sheet handling apparatus with a first and second facing section that face each other, featuring a movable first shutter to openably close the first opening portion, meshing with a conveyance section shutter to prevent foreign object entry without the need for motors or power transmission.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Object-affected harmful factors

If a shield member and motor are arranged to close the opening portion to prevent foreign object entry, then foreign object prevention is improved, but device complexity increases due to motor and power transmission mechanism

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveforeign object entry preventionVSAvoidstructure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The conveyance section serves dual functions: it conveys paper sheets and simultaneously opens/closes the shutter to prevent foreign object entry. The shutter is mechanically coupled to the conveyance section so that the conveyance operation itself controls the shutter opening/closing without requiring separate actuation mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The shutter opening/closing function is merged with the conveyance function. The same mechanical movement that conveys the paper sheet also actuates the shutter to open or close, combining two functions into one mechanism and eliminating the need for separate motors and power transmission systems.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

2Reliability

If a motor and power transmission mechanism are used to drive the shield member, then shutter opening/closing reliability is improved, but ease of manufacture deteriorates due to complex assembly

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveshutter control reliabilityVSAvoidassembly simplicity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The conveyance section automatically controls the shutter through mechanical coupling. The movement required for paper sheet conveyance inherently actuates the shutter, eliminating the need for separate control systems while maintaining reliable operation through direct mechanical linkage.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The shutter is positioned as an intermediary element between the conveyance section and the insertion space. It is mechanically coupled to the conveyance section, allowing the conveyance movement to indirectly control the shutter position without requiring direct motor actuation of the shutter itself.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Ease of operation

If the opening portion remains open to allow paper sheet conveyance, then ease of operation is improved, but foreign object entry risk increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepaper sheet insertion easeVSAvoidforeign object entry risk
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The shutter is designed to dynamically change its state between open and closed positions based on the operational phase. It opens during paper sheet insertion to facilitate easy operation, then closes during conveyance to prevent foreign object entry, adapting its state to the current operational requirement.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The shutter closes in advance before foreign objects can enter the insertion space through the opening portion. The mechanical coupling ensures that as soon as the paper sheet is inserted and conveyance begins, the shutter automatically closes to prevent any foreign object entry risk.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentEP4109427B1Paper sheet handling device
Publication Date: 2026.03.25 FUJITSU FRONTECH LTD
  • EP4109427B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4109427B1 patent drawingFigure 2A
  • EP4109427B1 patent drawingFigure 2B

AI summary

A paper sheet handling apparatus (100) includes: a first facing section (10) and a second facing section (20) which are arranged so as to face each other in a facing direction (D1) with an insertion space (S1), into which a paper sheet (B) is inserted, interposed therebetween; and a conveyance section (40) that conveys the paper sheet in a state of protruding to the insertion space from a first opening portion (11a) of the first facing section. The first facing section includes a first shutter (12) that openably closes the first opening portion, and is disposed so as to be movable, in the facing direction, to an insertion position (P11) at a time when the paper sheet is inserted and a conveyance position (P12) at a time when the paper sheet is conveyed. The first facing section and the conveyance section include first shutter opening/closing units (13, 14, 15, 42) which open the first opening portion by meshing with each other to open the first shutter when the first facing section moves from the insertion position to the conveyance position.