Vertical Coin and Bill Dispenser for Compact Self-Checkout
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing self-checkout systems require a wide installation area due to the parallel arrangement of coin and bill receiving and dispensing devices, which is inefficient in terms of space usage.
Innovation Solution
The coin and bill receiving and dispensing devices are arranged vertically, with the bill device overlapping the coin device in the height direction, reducing the overall installation area and enhancing customer visibility and notification of dispensed change.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If coin and bill receiving and dispensing devices are arranged in parallel in the width direction, then each device can be accessed independently, but the installation area becomes excessively wide
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from a horizontal parallel arrangement to a vertical stacked arrangement, utilizing the height dimension to accommodate both coin and bill receiving and dispensing devices. This dimensional change reduces the width occupation while maintaining independent access to each device type through vertically separated openings and operational interfaces.
2Area of stationary object
If devices are arranged vertically with overlapping in height direction, then installation width is reduced, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The receiving and dispensing unit is segmented into distinct functional modules: coin receiving section, bill receiving section, coin dispensing section, and bill dispensing section. Each module is vertically stacked and independently operable, allowing the complex functionality to be organized into manageable, modular components that can be accessed through separate openings at different heights.
3Ease of operation
If dispensing sections are exposed for customer visibility, then change retrieval is improved, but device structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by providing exposed dispensing sections specifically at the front face of the unit where customers can visually confirm and easily retrieve dispensed change. The coin and bill dispensing sections are positioned at different heights with open front access, while the rear portions of the devices can remain enclosed for security and structural integrity, thus balancing visibility with structural simplicity.
Data Source
AI summary
A receiving and dispensing unit and a self-checkout system of an embodiment includes a coin receiving and dispensing device which holds received coins in accordance with the denomination and dispenses the held coins, and a bill receiving and dispensing device which holds received bills in accordance with the denomination and dispenses the held bills. The bill receiving and dispensing device is arranged to overlap the coin receiving and dispensing device in the height direction of the coin receiving and dispensing device.