Stack Merging Unit for ATM Note Handling

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing devices for handling sheet-like media, such as automated teller machines, face usability issues when multiple stacks of media need to be output, requiring operators to handle individual sheets and reassemble stacks, which is cumbersome and inefficient.

Innovation Solution

A device with a stack merging unit that combines two separate stacks of sheet-like media into a single stack, utilizing a sensor unit for classification and a combined input/output unit for easy handling, allowing only a single assembled stack to be output to the operator.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If multiple intermediate storage units dispense separate stacks individually, then each stack can be managed separately, but the operator must handle multiple separate stacks reducing user comfort

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveuser comfortVSAvoidstack handling complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a stack merging unit that combines multiple separate stacks from different intermediate storage units into a single combined stack. This allows the operator to receive only one stack instead of multiple separate stacks, significantly improving user comfort and ease of operation while maintaining the ability to manage multiple storage units separately

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

2Productivity

If individual sheet media are stacked into separate piles, then each pile can be processed independently, but multiple piles must be dispensed reducing efficiency

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedispensing efficiencyVSAvoidtime for handling multiple stacks

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The stack merging unit consolidates multiple separately processed stacks into a single combined stack before dispensing. This eliminates the need for the operator to handle multiple separate piles, reducing the time required for stack handling and improving overall dispensing efficiency

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Ease of operation

If stacks are separated and reassembled manually, then individual media can be sorted, but manual reassembly is cumbersome and inefficient

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvehandling easeVSAvoidautomatic reassembly

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSExtent of automation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a stack merging unit as an intermediary device that automatically combines separate stacks. This automated intermediary system performs the reassembly function that would otherwise require manual intervention, eliminating cumbersome manual reassembly operations while maintaining the sorting capability of separate storage units

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentEP2675741B1Device for handling notes of value, comprising a stack merging unit

Publication Date: 2020.01.15 WINCOR NIXDORF INT GMBH

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AI summary

The invention relates to a device (10) for handling notes of value, comprising two intermediate storage units (32, 500) for the intermediate storage of notes of value and a stack merging unit (802). The stack merging unit (802) merges a first stack, which is formed of notes of value stored on an intermediate basis in the first intermediate storage unit (32), and a second stack, which is formed of notes of value stored on an intermediate basis in the second intermediate storage unit (500), to form a single merged stack.