Pivoting Checkout Display Arms for Compact Printer Access

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing cash register systems are not compactly designed, making them space-intensive and difficult to maintain, especially due to limited access to the printer and computer components.

Innovation Solution

The cash register system features pivotable arms that allow the display units to be positioned above the printer and computer during operation, enabling a compact footprint while allowing easy access for maintenance by pivoting the arms out of the way.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Area of stationary object

If the display units are arranged close to the bon printer for compact construction, then the footprint is reduced, but access to the bon printer for maintenance is limited

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovefootprintVSAvoidaccess to bon printer
Core Design Contradiction:
Area of stationary objectVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The arm is designed as a movable component that can pivot between a first position (during operation) and a second position (during maintenance). This dynamic positioning allows the display unit to be close to the bon printer during normal use, minimizing footprint, while enabling easy access to the bon printer when the arm is moved to the maintenance position.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Ease of operation

If the screens are arranged at a large distance from the bon printer for easier maintenance, then access is improved, but the cash system requires more installation space

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemaintenance accessVSAvoidinstallation space
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The arm provides dynamic positioning capability, allowing the display unit to be positioned close to the bon printer during operation and moved away during maintenance. This eliminates the need for permanent spacing between components, optimizing both footprint and maintenance accessibility.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Area of stationary object

If the arm is positioned in the first position above the receiving area, then compact construction is achieved, but access to components in the receiving area is blocked

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovefootprintVSAvoidaccess to components
Core Design Contradiction:
Area of stationary objectVSEase of repair

Solution Approach 1:

The arm can be dynamically repositioned between a first position (above the receiving area during operation) and a second position (aside from the receiving area during maintenance). This movement allows the system to maintain compact dimensions during use while providing full access to components when needed.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentEP3193315B1Checkout system with pivoting arms
Publication Date: 2022.03.02 WINCOR NIXDORF INT GMBH
  • EP3193315B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3193315B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3193315B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The invention relates to a cash register system (10, 100) which comprises an arm (16, 22) for holding a display unit (18, 24), the arm (16) having a first section (24, 30) and a section which can be pivoted relative thereto second section (28, 34). The second section (28, 34) is positioned relative to the first section (28) between a first position in which the display unit (18, 24) is arranged over a receiving area (36) and a second position in which the display unit (18 , 24) is not arranged above this receiving area (36), pivotable.