Optical Fiber UV Banknote Sterilization Integration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current ultraviolet light-based banknote disinfection systems are large and specialized, making them unsuitable for general-purpose banknote handling devices, thus inaccessible for everyday disinfection of circulating banknotes.
Innovation Solution
A banknote disinfection system utilizing thin, flexible optical fibers to emit ultraviolet light, which can be integrated into existing devices like ATMs without significant design changes, allowing for disinfection of banknotes during conveyance and storage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a traditional ultraviolet lamp is used for banknote disinfection, then disinfection effectiveness is achieved, but device size becomes large and structure becomes complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the traditional mechanical ultraviolet lamp system with an optical fiber-based ultraviolet irradiation system. The optical fiber transmits ultraviolet light from a compact light source to the banknote surface, eliminating the need for large ultraviolet lamps and complex mechanical structures while maintaining disinfection effectiveness.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses flexible optical fibers to deliver ultraviolet light to the banknote surface. The optical fiber can be routed through the existing ATM structure in flexible paths, adapting to the device's internal geometry without requiring significant structural modifications.
2Reliability
If a large ultraviolet lamp is used for disinfection, then disinfection capability is provided, but integration into existing ATMs becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent substitutes the bulky ultraviolet lamp with a compact optical fiber system that can be integrated into the existing ATM's internal spaces. The optical fiber's small diameter and flexibility allow it to be routed through the ATM's existing structure without requiring significant design changes.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from a three-dimensional bulky lamp structure to a one-dimensional optical fiber that can be routed through existing gaps and channels in the ATM, utilizing the device's internal routing paths rather than requiring additional space.
3Reliability
If specialized large disinfection devices are used, then banknote sterilization is achieved, but accessibility for ordinary people is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the ATM serve multiple functions by integrating the ultraviolet disinfection capability into the existing banknote handling device. The same ATM that performs cash dispensing and depositing now also provides disinfection, making the technology accessible to ordinary people in their daily transactions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent enables the ATM to automatically disinfect banknotes during the normal cash handling process without requiring separate user action. The system self-services by integrating disinfection into the existing operational workflow, making it convenient and accessible for everyday use.
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 effective disinfection of banknotes in general-purpose devices without altering their structure, making it possible to frequently disinfect banknotes in daily life scenarios.
Implementation Method 1
an optical fiber configured to emit ultraviolet light to a surface of the banknote conveyed by the conveyance mechanism
Data Source
AI summary
An object of the present invention is to provide a banknote disinfection system configured to disinfect banknotes in a general-purpose banknote handling device without making a significant change in the structure of the general-purpose device.The banknote disinfection system 300 includes a conveyance mechanism configured to convey a banknote 50 using a plurality of rollers 12 and an optical fiber 20 configured to emit ultraviolet light to a surface of the banknote 50 conveyed by the conveyance mechanism. An optical fiber is thin, has many length options, and is flexible. With these features of the optical fiber, the optical fiber can be routed inside of, for example, an automatic teller machine to irradiate the banknotes moving inside the device with ultraviolet light.