Rotatable Item Support with Planar Surfaces for Flat Media Storage
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing self-service terminals and cash recyclers face issues with stored currency notes or media items retaining a curved shape due to storage on cylindrical drums, leading to increased jam risks during dispensing.
Innovation Solution
A rotatable item support member with planar surfaces and co-operating drive tape members that store and dispense items in a flat orientation, preventing curvature and reducing jam risks.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If currency notes are stored on a cylindrical drum in a roll storage module, then the storage capacity and compactness are improved, but the notes acquire a curved shape that increases jam risk during dispensing
Solution Approach 1:
The cylindrical drum storage is segmented into multiple radial compartments, each capable of holding individual notes or small bundles. This segmentation allows notes to be stored in a more organized manner that reduces curvature while maintaining storage capacity.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention transitions from traditional linear or cylindrical storage to a radial/dimensional storage approach where notes are positioned in radial compartments. This dimensional change allows for better note orientation and reduces the curvature problem while maintaining compact storage.
2Duration of action of stationary object
If currency notes are stored for extended periods on a rotating support, then the storage duration is improved, but the notes retain curved shape from rotation
Solution Approach 1:
Different regions of the support structure have different properties - the radial compartments provide localized flat surfaces for note storage, while the overall structure maintains rotational capability. This local quality differentiation allows extended storage without curvature.
Solution Approach 2:
Notes are positioned in the radial compartments in a pre-flattened state before storage begins. The compartment structure maintains this flat orientation throughout the storage period, preventing curvature from developing during extended storage.
3Reliability
If tape members are used to secure items on the support member, then the item retention is improved, but the items may acquire curvature from tape winding
Solution Approach 1:
The harmful winding action traditionally associated with tape securing is extracted and replaced. Instead of winding tape around items to secure them, the invention uses tape members that stretch across radial compartments to hold items in place without winding, thus maintaining item flatness while ensuring retention.
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus and method are disclosed for temporarily storing at least one item of media. The apparatus includes a rotatable item support member arranged to rotate about a support member axis of rotation and comprising an outer support surface. The apparatus also includes a pair of drive tape members, each arranged along a respective tape pathway, each tape pathway comprising a pathway portion in which the tape members extend in a co-operating relationship supported by said outer support surface. The outer support surface includes at least one support region that supports the tape members and an item located therebetween in a flat orientation.