Plastic Shaft Assembly with Releasing Member for Check Processing Module
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing check processing modules (CPMs) in self-service check depositing terminals are costly due to the use of steel ball bearings and steel drive shafts, and are time-consuming to assemble and disassemble, especially when components need to be replaced.
Innovation Solution
A CPM design featuring a U-shaped plastic guide with a shaft assembly including plastic shafts, drive rollers, and plastic race bearings, secured by a releasing member that allows for easy assembly and disassembly without the need for fasteners, reducing material costs and assembly time.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If steel ball bearings and steel drive shafts are used in the CPM, then the structural strength and reliability are improved, but the manufacturing cost increases and assembly/disassembly time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces expensive steel ball bearings with inexpensive plastic race bearings that can be easily manufactured and replaced. The plastic bearings are designed as simple, low-cost components that sacrifice some durability for significant cost reduction, aligning with the principle of using cheap, easily replaceable components.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent substitutes steel mechanical components (ball bearings, steel shafts) with plastic components and elastic band mechanisms. This replacement eliminates the need for precision-machined steel parts and complex fastening systems, reducing both cost and assembly complexity while maintaining functional reliability.
2Stability of the object's composition
If steel ball bearings and C-clips are used to secure components, then the structural stability is improved, but the assembly time and disassembly time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical fastening systems (C-clips, wavy washers, multiple screws) with elastic bands and simple retaining clips. These alternative mechanisms provide sufficient structural stability while enabling rapid assembly and disassembly without complex tools or procedures.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent divides the CPM into modular sections that can be independently assembled and disassembled. The shaft assemblies are segmented components that can be quickly installed and removed from the housing using simple retaining mechanisms, reducing overall assembly time while maintaining structural integrity.
3Strength
If complex fastening systems are used to secure shaft assemblies, then the structural strength is improved, but the ease of repair decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex mechanical fastening systems with elastic bands and simple retaining clips that allow tool-free or minimal-tool disassembly. This substitution maintains sufficient structural strength during operation while enabling easy removal and replacement of shaft assemblies for repair and maintenance.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses elastic bands that provide dynamic, flexible retention rather than rigid mechanical fastening. The elastic nature allows for easy compression and release, enabling quick disassembly for repair while maintaining secure holding during normal operation, thus improving ease of repair without compromising structural strength.
Data Source
AI summary
A check processing module (CPM) is provided for a self-service check depositing terminal. The CPM comprises a substantially U-shaped plastic guide including (i) first and second leg portions forming the substantially U-shape, (ii) a surface which forms an opening in the first leg portion, and (ii) a releasing member which is disposed on the second leg portion. The CPM further comprises a shaft assembly including (i) a plastic shaft having opposite end portions and a central portion between the opposite end portions, (ii) a number of drive rollers disposed on the central portion, (iii) a first plastic race bearing attached to one end portion of the plastic shaft and disposed in the opening of the plastic guide, and (iv) a second plastic race bearing attached to the other end portion of the plastic shaft and secured by the releasing member to the plastic guide. The releasing member is operable to secure the shaft assembly to the plastic guide during operation of the CPM, and is operable to release the shaft assembly from the plastic guide during disassembly of parts of the CPM.