Payment Card Recycling Device Segmentation and Component Separation
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Solution Overview
Problem
The recycling of cards such as payment, identification, and transit cards is hindered by the difficulty in determining recyclable materials and separating components, as well as security concerns related to sensitive data, which prevents effective recycling processes.
Innovation Solution
A device and method that includes a card receiver, image capture device, and separating components like cutting or grinding tools to identify and remove sensitive information from cards, sorting recyclable materials into separate bins based on material composition, ensuring secure and efficient recycling.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If cards are deposited whole for recycling, then recycling facilities can process them, but sensitive information security is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The card recycling device segments the card into multiple components: the substrate is separated from information-containing elements (magnetic stripe, chip, printed data). This segmentation allows the substrate to be recycled while sensitive information components are destroyed or securely handled, resolving the contradiction between recycling efficiency and information security.
Solution Approach 2:
The device extracts and removes information-saving components (magnetic stripe, chip, printed information) from the card substrate before recycling. This extraction ensures that sensitive information is isolated and destroyed separately, while the remaining substrate can be efficiently recycled without security concerns.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If cards are cut or destroyed before recycling, then sensitive information is secured, but recycling facilities cannot process them
Solution Approach 1:
The device performs controlled segmentation by separating only the information-containing components from the substrate, rather than destroying the entire card. This selective segmentation maintains the substrate's integrity for recycling while securing sensitive information, thus preserving recycling processing efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The destruction or secure handling is applied locally only to specific regions containing sensitive information (magnetic stripe area, chip area, printed data areas), while the rest of the substrate remains intact and suitable for recycling. This localized treatment resolves the contradiction between security and recyclability.
3Productivity
If card components are separated manually, then recyclable materials can be sorted, but the process is time-consuming and labor-intensive
Solution Approach 1:
The card recycling device performs automatic separation and sorting of card components without manual intervention. The system self-identifies information-saving component locations using image capture, automatically separates components using cutting or grinding mechanisms, and sorts materials into appropriate bins, eliminating labor-intensive manual sorting while managing device complexity through automation.
4Manufacturing precision
If image capture devices automatically identify component locations, then separation precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The device replaces manual visual inspection and manual separation with an automated system using image capture devices (optical systems) to identify component locations and automated cutting or grinding mechanisms to separate components. This substitution of mechanical/manual operations with optical and automated mechanical systems improves precision while managing complexity through integration.
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure includes a device for recycling a payment card, which can include a payment card receiver for receiving a payment card that has a substrate and an information-saving component, an image capture device configured to identify a location of the information-saving component on the substrate, a separating device configured to remove the information-saving component from the substrate, and a storage portion configured receive the substrate and the information-saving component.