Counterfeit Detector Pen Using LED UV and Chemical Reagent

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods for detecting counterfeit currency are either unreliable or costly and complex, particularly due to the use of ultraviolet lamps in conventional devices.

Innovation Solution

A pen-like device equipped with a tubular body containing a contact assembly with an ultraviolet light source and a counterfeit solution applicator, allowing for dual testing modes: using ultraviolet light to detect polymer threads and a test solution to identify starch content in currency paper.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If conventional ultraviolet lamps are used in counterfeit detecting devices, then the ability to detect polymer threads is improved, but the device becomes expensive and bulky

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecounterfeit detection accuracyVSAvoiddevice structure

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces expensive, bulky conventional ultraviolet lamps with inexpensive LED ultraviolet light sources. LEDs are solid-state devices that are cheap to manufacture, have long operational life, and can be integrated into compact form factors, thereby resolving the contradiction between detection reliability and device complexity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent substitutes traditional mechanical ultraviolet lamp systems with electronic LED-based ultraviolet light generation. This replacement eliminates the need for complex bulb housings, reflectors, and power consumption management associated with conventional lamps, simplifying the overall device structure while maintaining effective counterfeit detection capability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Reliability

If conventional ultraviolet lamps are used in counterfeit detecting devices, then the ability to detect polymer threads is improved, but the manufacturing cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecounterfeit detection accuracyVSAvoidmanufacturing cost

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces expensive, bulky conventional ultraviolet lamps with inexpensive LED ultraviolet light sources. LEDs are solid-state devices that are cheap to manufacture, have long operational life, and can be integrated into compact form factors, thereby resolving the contradiction between detection reliability and device complexity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent substitutes traditional mechanical ultraviolet lamp systems with electronic LED-based ultraviolet light generation. This replacement eliminates the need for complex bulb housings, reflectors, and power consumption management associated with conventional lamps, simplifying the overall device structure while maintaining effective counterfeit detection capability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

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

Provides a simple, reliable, and cost-effective means to detect counterfeit currency, offering two testing modes that can be used sequentially or independently, facilitating easy identification of counterfeit notes.

Implementation Method 1

This thread glows orange when held under an ultraviolet light

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectFluorescence: Fluorescence

Implementation Method 2

the test solution changes its color from the initial color to a black coloration

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectColor change reaction:

Data Source

PatentUS8545766B2Counterfeit detector pen

Publication Date: 2013.10.01 DRI MARK PRODUCTS INC

AI summary

A counterfeit currency detector including a tubular body having a forward end and a rearward end, a contact assembly mounted at the forward end of the tubular body, and a counterfeit solution applicator mounted at the rearward end of the tubular body. The contact assembly includes an ultraviolet light source.