UV-C Adapter for EC Card Reader Keypad Disinfection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current EC card readers for cashless purchases require manual PIN entry, which poses a risk of germ, bacteria, and virus transmission due to direct contact with keys or touchscreens, and disinfection after use is often too late to prevent transmission.
Innovation Solution
An adapter for EC card readers featuring opposing legs that enclose the keypad or touchscreen, with integrated UV light sources to irradiate and disinfect the entry area, reducing germ and virus transmission by at least 99.9%, while also providing privacy and optional automatic operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If manual PIN entry through keypad or touchscreen is implemented, then cashless purchase functionality is enabled, but germ and virus transmission risk increases due to direct contact
Solution Approach 1:
The UV-C light source activates automatically when the card reader is placed in the adapter, disinfecting the keypad or touchscreen surface before the user enters their PIN. This preliminary disinfection action occurs prior to contact, preventing germ and virus transmission rather than addressing it after the fact.
2Reliability
If UV light source is integrated into the adapter, then disinfection effectiveness is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The adapter combines multiple functions into a single device: it houses the card reader, integrates the UV-C light source, and provides structural support through the enclosing shell. The legs of the adapter simultaneously secure the card reader and position the UV light source for optimal disinfection coverage, reducing the need for separate components.
Solution Approach 2:
The adapter automatically activates the UV-C light source when the card reader is placed within it, eliminating the need for manual intervention. The system self-regulates the disinfection process, turning on the UV light upon detection of the card reader and maintaining it until the reader is removed.
3Reliability
If the UV light source irradiates the entire keypad or touchscreen, then disinfection coverage is improved, but the risk of user exposure to UV radiation increases
Solution Approach 1:
The UV-C light source operates in periodic cycles rather than continuously. It activates automatically when the card reader is placed in the adapter for disinfection, turns off during normal operation to prevent user exposure, and can be reactivated if needed. This periodic operation ensures thorough disinfection coverage while minimizing harmful UV exposure to users.
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
Effectively prevents the transmission of germs, bacteria, and viruses during PIN entry by ensuring thorough disinfection of the keypad or touchscreen, enhancing user safety and reducing the need for immediate finger disinfection.
Implementation Method 1
at least one UV light source which irradiates the whole of the keypad or touchscreen
Data Source
AI summary
An adapter and an apparatus for disinfecting devices to be operated by the human hand, in particular card readers, which, in the form of a mobile or stationary terminal, are used for the cashless purchase of goods using the electronic cash method, in which a PIN code must be entered upon payment. To enter the PIN code, these EC card readers have a PIN pad with keys or a touchscreen with displayed keys. A housing of the EC card reader is laterally enclosed in the region of the keypad or of the touchscreen by two opposing legs which are interconnected below the housing. At least one portion of one of the legs projects beyond the housing on the keypad side or on the touchscreen side. At least one UV light source irradiates the whole of the keypad or touchscreen is arranged in the at least one portion.