Barcode Reader Anti-microbial Illumination for Surface Disinfection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Barcode readers require time and resources to adjust settings when changing orientations, leading to the need for multiple stationary readers, which increases costs and exposes surfaces to harmful germs and bacteria, necessitating frequent cleaning with expensive chemicals that can degrade materials.
Innovation Solution
A barcode reader system that automatically selects functions based on orientation, using electromechanical sensors and anti-microbial illumination to disinfect surfaces without the need for manual adjustments or harmful chemicals.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If multiple stationary barcode readers are installed to avoid manual adjustments, then productivity is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
A single barcode reader is designed to perform multiple functions by automatically changing its operating parameters based on detected orientation. The device can switch between different scanning modes, illumination patterns, and functional settings depending on whether it is held horizontally, vertically, or at other angles, eliminating the need for multiple dedicated readers for different tasks.
Solution Approach 2:
The barcode reader incorporates orientation sensors (such as accelerometers or gyroscopes) that dynamically detect the device's angular position and automatically adjust operational parameters in real-time. This dynamic adaptation allows the single device to replace multiple stationary readers with fixed configurations, maintaining productivity while reducing device complexity.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If cleaning chemicals are used to disinfect surfaces, then hygiene is improved, but material degradation and harmful exposure increase
Solution Approach 1:
Chemical cleaning methods are replaced with a physical/photonic disinfection mechanism. The barcode reader incorporates UV-C or other anti-microbial light sources that emit specific wavelengths capable of destroying bacterial DNA and cellular structures. This substitution eliminates the need for chemical contact, preventing material degradation while maintaining effective disinfection of surfaces the reader touches or is near.
Solution Approach 2:
The disinfection mechanism uses controlled emission of electromagnetic radiation at specific wavelengths (typically UV-C at 254nm or blue light at 405nm) to achieve anti-microbial effects. By controlling the intensity, duration, and wavelength of light emission, the system effectively kills germs and bacteria without the corrosive effects of chemical cleaners on polycarbonate, ABS, and other common reader materials.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enables efficient and cost-effective operation of barcode readers across various orientations, reducing the need for multiple devices and minimizing exposure to germs and bacteria, while using anti-microbial illumination for surface disinfection without damaging materials.
Implementation Method 1
a light source configured to emit an anti-microbial illumination in order to activate a cleaning function
Data Source
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AI summary
A code reader comprising a housing, a scanner disposed within said housing and configured to scan a machine-readable indicia in a target area, an illumination source configured to emit an anti-microbial illumination, and a reflective roller shade configured to be positioned in a retracted position and a deployed position, the deployed position being configured to cover the target area and illumination source to create a covered workspace. The code reader further comprises a processing unit in communication with said scanner and said illumination source, and configured to select a cleaning function and cause said illumination source to emit the anti-microbial illumination toward the reflective roller shade and/or the target area to disinfect surfaces in the target area.