Segmented Cleaning Strip for Card Readers
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing cleaning strips and cards for vending machine systems and card readers fail to effectively clean card readers and banknote validators without additional effort, leading to increasing machine failures.
Innovation Solution
A cleaning strip or card with transverse flock-coated strips on both surfaces, arranged to lie between each other, providing a brush-like effect for efficient dirt absorption and removal, using a flexible PVC backing material with polyamide flock coating, and optionally impregnated with a cleaning agent for enhanced cleaning efficacy.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If cleaning strips with full-surface flock coating are used, then cleaning coverage is improved, but cleaning effectiveness without redistribution of dirt is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The cleaning strip is segmented into multiple transverse strips arranged in a pattern where strips on one side lie between strips on the other side. This segmentation creates a brush-like effect that effectively absorbs and removes dirt without redistribution, resolving the contradiction between coverage area and cleaning effectiveness.
2Reliability
If additional cleaning effort is applied to improve cleaning effectiveness, then machine failure prevention is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The transverse strip arrangement with offset positioning on opposite sides enables self-service cleaning through a brush-like effect that automatically absorbs and removes dirt without requiring additional manual effort or redistribution actions, maintaining reliability while improving ease of operation.
3Reliability
If transverse strips are arranged offset on both sides, then cleaning effectiveness is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The cleaning strip is divided into multiple transverse strips arranged in a systematic offset pattern on both sides, where strips on one side lie between strips on the other side. This segmentation provides effective cleaning through brush-like action while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure.
Solution Approach 2:
Different regions of the cleaning strip have different functions: transverse strips on one side are positioned to lie between strips on the other side, creating localized brush-like cleaning zones that enhance effectiveness without requiring complex overall device design.
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
The solution allows for effective cleaning with minimal effort, preventing machine failures by ensuring dirt is absorbed and removed without redistribution, maintaining the cleanliness of card readers and validators.
Implementation Method 1
A cleaning strip or card with transverse strips (14, 15; 24, 25) made of a flock coating... providing a brush-like effect for efficient dirt absorption and removal
Implementation Method 2
The transverse strips are arranged on both surfaces or on the front and back of the strip... for efficient dirt absorption and removal
Data Source
Figure 1~3
Figure 4~7
AI summary
A cleaning strip (10) for cash and credit card machines comprises a strip (12) coated with flock fibers and made of a substrate, wherein two opposing strip edges define a machine direction (x) and the width of the strip measured transversely to an insertion direction into a cash and credit card machine corresponds substantially to the length of a side edge of a banknote or credit card suitable for use in a cash and credit card machine to be cleaned. On at least one of the surfaces thereof, the strip (12) has at least three transverse strips (14), mounted transversely to the machine direction (x) at a distance from each other and provided with a coating made of flock fibers.