Vertically Aligned Money Processing Machine for Narrow Spaces
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional money processing machines are not adequately suited for installations requiring a reduced width dimension, particularly in stores with specific layout constraints.
Innovation Solution
A money processing machine design where the banknote processing unit, power supply/communication unit, and coin processing unit are vertically aligned, allowing for independent sliding and maintenance access, with a compact footprint that fits narrower spaces.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If the banknote processing unit and coin processing unit are arranged side by side along the width direction, then the machine structure is simple and easy to manufacture, but the width dimension becomes large and cannot fit narrow spaces
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from a horizontal side-by-side arrangement to a vertical stacked arrangement of processing units. The banknote processing unit and coin processing unit are positioned one above the other along the height direction, fundamentally changing the spatial dimension used for layout. This dimensional shift reduces the width footprint while accommodating all necessary components within the same horizontal envelope.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces movable components including a movable back surface that can slide between a retracted position and a protruding position. This dynamic element allows the machine to adjust its effective depth and provides access to internal components for maintenance while maintaining a compact external footprint when in the retracted state.
2Length of stationary object
If the banknote processing unit and coin processing unit are arranged vertically, then the width dimension is reduced for narrow spaces, but the height dimension increases and may affect accessibility
Solution Approach 1:
The patent utilizes the vertical dimension to stack processing units while incorporating a movable back surface that extends outward to provide user interaction points. This creates an L-shaped or extended configuration where the main body remains compact in width but the functional interface extends forward, effectively distributing the height increase across multiple dimensions rather than concentrating it in a single vertical stack.
Solution Approach 2:
The machine is divided into separable modules including the banknote processing unit, coin processing unit, and movable back surface assembly. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently and facilitates maintenance by enabling individual units to be accessed or replaced without affecting the entire system.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the machine is made compact for narrow spaces, then installation flexibility improves, but maintenance access to internal components becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates a movable back surface that can transition between retracted and protruding positions. When the back surface protrudes, it provides direct access to internal components such as the power supply unit and communication unit for maintenance purposes. When retracted, it maintains the compact footprint required for installation in narrow spaces. This dynamic mechanism resolves the contradiction between compactness and maintainability.
Solution Approach 2:
The machine employs modular segmentation where the power supply unit and communication unit are positioned in the accommodation unit that can be independently accessed. This modular design allows maintenance personnel to access specific components without disassembling the entire machine, facilitating easier repair while maintaining overall compactness.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
Provided is a small-sized money processing machine that is easy to use in a store. A money processing machine used for settlement of a transaction performed in a store, includes: a banknote processing unit that performs depositing and dispensing of banknotes; a coin processing unit that performs depositing and dispensing of coins; and an accommodation unit that accommodates components to be connected to at least one of the banknote processing unit and the coin processing unit. The banknote processing unit, the coin processing unit, and the accommodation unit are disposed in a housing so as to be vertically aligned.