Self-Aligning SST Cover Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Misalignment between covers and openings in Self Service Terminals (SSTs) due to low manufacturing tolerances and component wear leads to media jams, frictional issues, and security concerns, resulting in inefficient downtime and reduced customer satisfaction.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a mechanism with a hinge member, attachment member, and alignment member that allows the cover to move perpendicular to the hinge axis, using bearings and a gas strut actuator, to automatically align the cover with the opening when closing, preventing misalignment and ensuring consistent alignment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a conventional hinge is used to attach the cover to the housing, then the cover can move between open and closed positions, but misalignment occurs due to low manufacturing tolerances and component wear
Solution Approach 1:
The attachment member allows the cover to move dynamically in a perpendicular direction relative to the hinge axis, transforming a static constrained connection into a dynamic adaptive one that can compensate for misalignment during operation
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the degree of freedom parameter by allowing movement in a direction perpendicular to the hinge axis, enabling the cover to adjust its position to achieve proper alignment despite manufacturing tolerances and wear
2Device complexity
If the cover is constrained in all directions relative to the hinge member, then the hinge structure is simple, but frictional problems occur that make opening and closing difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The attachment member introduces dynamic movement capability in a perpendicular direction, allowing the cover to move freely in this direction while maintaining simplicity in the hinge structure itself
Solution Approach 2:
The movement constraint is segmented by direction: the hinge member handles rotation about the hinge axis while the attachment member handles movement in the perpendicular direction, dividing the constraint management into separate functional components
3Device complexity
If misalignment occurs between the cover and opening, then the system is simple, but media jams and security issues arise
Solution Approach 1:
The alignment mechanism enables the cover to self-align with the opening through its own movement capability, eliminating the need for external alignment procedures or complex active control systems
Solution Approach 2:
The dynamic movement capability allows the cover to automatically adjust its position during closing operation to achieve proper alignment, ensuring reliable media flow and security without additional complexity
Data Source
AI summary
A method and apparatus are disclosed for aligning a cover with an opening in a housing. The apparatus includes at least one hinge member securable to a housing and moveable between open and closed positions about a hinge axis, at least one attachment member for mounting a cover member to the moveable hinge member, and at least one alignment member for guiding the cover member into an aligned position when the cover member is moved with the hinge member towards the closed position, wherein the attachment member is adapted to allow the cover member to move in a perpendicular direction relative to the hinge axis.