Sheet Insert Device Cassette Grip Arm Banknote Alignment

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional banknote processors require significant manual effort and time to insert loose banknotes, leading to potential errors and increased operator workload, as they rely on manual handling which can result in banknotes being misplaced or fallen.

Innovation Solution

A sheet insert device and processing system that uses a cassette to house and convey stacked banknotes, employing a grip arm to securely transfer and align banknotes into the processing apparatus without changing their posture, reducing the likelihood of misalignment or falling and automating the insertion process.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If manual insertion of loose banknotes is used, then the processing can be performed with simple equipment, but the work burden and time required increase significantly

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinsertion speedVSAvoidequipment complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The banknotes are divided into bundles of a predetermined number, with each bundle equipped with a grip portion. This segmentation allows the insertion device to handle multiple banknotes simultaneously as a single unit, dramatically increasing insertion speed while keeping the device structure relatively simple.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

A cassette is introduced as an intermediary container to store multiple banknote bundles. The cassette receives bundles from the insertion device and supplies them to the processing apparatus, acting as a buffer that enables continuous high-speed insertion without requiring complex real-time handling mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If manual handling of banknotes is used, then the equipment can be simple, but the banknotes may be fallen or misplaced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinsertion reliabilityVSAvoidhandling mechanism complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The banknotes are pre-arranged in bundles with grip portions attached before insertion. This preliminary preparation ensures that the banknotes are already organized and secured, eliminating the risk of falling or misplacement during the insertion process while keeping the handling mechanism simple.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The invention replaces manual mechanical handling with an automated insertion device that uses suction or clamping mechanisms to securely hold banknote bundles. This substitution eliminates human error in handling while maintaining relatively simple device complexity through standardized gripping mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Ease of operation

If automated insertion device is used, then the work burden is reduced, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveoperator workloadVSAvoidinsertion device complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The banknote bundles are designed with self-gripping features where the grip portion is inherently part of the bundle structure. The insertion device simply needs to apply suction or clamping force to the grip portion, allowing the bundle to self-align and self-insert without requiring complex positioning mechanisms, thus reducing operator workload while limiting device complexity increase.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Data Source

PatentEP2873635B1Sheet insert device, sheet processing apparatus and sheet processing method
Publication Date: 2018.07.11 KK TOSHIBA
  • EP2873635B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP2873635B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP2873635B1 patent drawingFigure 5

AI summary

According to one embodiment, a sheet insert device (100) includes a cassette (41) having a plurality of containing portions each of which contains a plurality of sheets in a vertically stacked state, a moving structure (47) to move the cassette so that the plurality of containing portions are arranged in turn at a pulling-out position, a grip arm (46) to grip the plurality of sheets contained in the containing portion arranged at the pulling-out position in the stacking direction, and a transferring structure which moves the grip arm, to pull out the plurality of sheets at the pulling-out position which are gripped by the grip arm from the containing portion, and transfers the plurality of sheets to a sheet loading part without changing the posture.