Removable ATM Security Device for Rapid Threat Response
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Solution Overview
Problem
Automated teller machines (ATMs) face significant capital and time expenditures for installing permanent security systems, making it impractical to equip all ATMs with effective security measures, especially when attacks move across regions, leading to potential losses and reduced customer service due to reduced cash availability.
Innovation Solution
A removable portable security device that can be quickly installed in ATMs to neutralize threats without permanent capital investment, featuring a gas sensor and neutralization system, motion sensor, and taggant dispensing capabilities, allowing for temporary protection and easy relocation to high-risk areas.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If permanent security systems are installed in ATMs, then security protection is improved, but capital expenditure and installation time increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The security system is divided into separate, modular components that can be independently installed and removed. The gas neutralisation system, detection systems, and taggant dispensing systems are distinct modules that can be configured in different combinations based on specific security needs, allowing rapid deployment without complete system installation.
Solution Approach 2:
The security system transitions from a static permanent installation to a dynamic removable configuration. Security devices can be quickly installed or removed from ATM cassettes based on real-time threat assessments, allowing the security posture to adapt to changing conditions without permanent modification to the ATM infrastructure.
2Reliability
If permanent security systems are installed in ATMs, then security protection is improved, but capital expenditure increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The security system uses disposable or replaceable components such as single-use taggant cartridges, replaceable gas cylinders, and temporary detection devices. These components can be consumed or depleted and replaced without requiring expensive permanent infrastructure, significantly reducing the overall capital investment required while maintaining effective security protection.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of installing expensive permanent security systems in every ATM, the invention uses multiple removable security devices that can be deployed to different locations as needed. A single security system design can be replicated across multiple ATMs by simply installing additional removable devices rather than upgrading each ATM permanently.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If cash is reduced in ATMs to protect against attacks, then security risk is reduced, but customer service quality deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The security system takes preliminary action by detecting threats and activating protective measures (gas neutralisation, taggant dispensing) before criminals can access or steal the cash. This preemptive security approach allows the ATM to maintain full cash loads while being protected, eliminating the need to reduce cash levels for security purposes.
Solution Approach 2:
The security system acts as an intermediary protective layer between the cash and potential thieves. Rather than reducing cash levels, the system introduces active security measures (detection systems, neutralisation agents, taggants) that intervene to prevent theft, allowing full cash availability to be maintained while providing security protection.
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
Provides cost-effective, adaptable security for ATMs by allowing temporary deployment of security features like gas neutralization and tagging, reducing losses and maintaining cash availability without the need for extensive system upgrades or permanent installations.
Implementation Method 1
a gas sensor configured to detect a gas type indicative of an attempted attack on the ATM
Implementation Method 2
a motion sensor configured to detect motion indicative of an attempted attack on the ATM
Implementation Method 3
gas neutralisation systems, which are designed to detect the presence of explosive gases and release a substance such as an inert gas that can be used to neutralise or displace the explosive gas
Implementation Method 4
taggant dispensing capabilities
Data Source
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AI summary
A removable portable security device (60, 90, 110, 120) for installation in a machine (10) for dispensing, receiving or recycling cash, wherein the machine (10) includes a cash space for storing cash, the security device (60, 90, 110, 120) comprising: a detection system (66, 100, 114, 124) for detecting unauthorised interference with the machine (10); and a cash protection system (68, 92, 112, 122) configured to activate on detection by the detection system (66, 100, 114, 124) of unauthorised interference with the machine, wherein the security device (60, 90, 110, 120) is configured to occupy part of the cash space of the machine (10).