UV Banknote Sanitising for Continuous Currency Circulation
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Solution Overview
Problem
There is a need for effective methods to sanitize currency, such as banknotes, to reduce the transmission of pathogenic viruses and microorganisms without removing them from circulation, as well as to eliminate illicit drug residues, which current quarantine methods are inefficient and pose risks of infection and contamination.
Innovation Solution
An apparatus and method using an excimer laser to emit UV light with specific wavelengths, intensities, and pulse durations to reduce or inactivate microorganisms and viruses on the surface of objects, including banknotes, while also reducing drug substance concentrations, by conveying the objects through a beam of UV light at controlled speeds and frequencies.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If quarantine methods are used to sanitize currency, then virus transmission is reduced, but productivity decreases and loss of time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical quarantine system (physical removal and storage of currency) with a UV irradiation system that inactivates viruses on currency surfaces in place, allowing continuous circulation while maintaining sanitation
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary UV irradiation treatment on currency before it enters circulation or at processing points, preventing virus transmission proactively rather than requiring post-contamination quarantine
2Reliability
If alcohol or disinfectants are used to sanitize banknotes, then virus inactivation is achieved, but the banknotes are damaged and rendered unsuitable for circulation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent substitutes chemical disinfection methods (alcohol, disinfectants) with physical UV irradiation, achieving virus inactivation through photonic energy without chemical contact that would degrade banknote materials
Solution Approach 2:
The system carefully controls UV irradiation parameters (wavelength, intensity, exposure time) to achieve sufficient virus inactivation while staying below thresholds that would damage banknote substrates, inks, or security features
3Reliability
If quarantine procedures are implemented, then virus transmission risk is reduced, but loss of time increases and productivity decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The UV irradiation system enables continuous processing of currency through automated conveyor systems, eliminating the time loss associated with removing currency from circulation for quarantine periods
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 UV light treatment achieves a significant reduction in viable microorganisms and viruses, including SARS-CoV-2, and drug substances like cocaine, on banknotes, ensuring their safety for continued circulation without damaging the banknotes and maintaining their usability.
Implementation Method 1
a UV light source for emitting a beam of UV light; wherein the UV light has a wavelength, intensity and pulse duration sufficient to reduce microorganisms and/or viruses on the surface
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to apparatus and/or methods for sanitising objects comprising a UV light source for emitting a beam of UV light and are particularly suited to sanitising a plurality of objects such as banknotes and mail at high and variable frequencies. The apparatus and/or method may be applied to reduce a concentration of drug substance on the surface and/or to reduce microorganisms and/or viruses on the surface of each of the plurality of objects.