Detachable UV Module for Mobile Device Case Disinfection

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing mobile phone cases with UV light features are not practical, efficient, or convenient for disinfecting daily surfaces, including the phone and case itself, due to vague and inefficient implementations.

Innovation Solution

A mobile phone case with a built-in UV light module that is movable and detachable, powered by the phone or a separate battery, allowing for flexible positioning and use to disinfect surfaces without requiring removal from the case, with features like flexible cables and retractable mechanisms for easy operation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If UV light sources are integrated into the housing or dongle as shown in Liao et al., then disinfection capability is provided, but the implementation is vague and not practical for real-world use

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepracticality of disinfectionVSAvoidimplementation complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The UV light module is separated from the case body and can be detached, allowing independent positioning and maneuvering. The module includes UV LEDs mounted on a circuit board that can be positioned independently, enabling practical disinfection of various surfaces including the phone and case itself without complex integrated wiring.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The UV light module is made movable relative to the case through a flexible cable connection, allowing dynamic positioning during use. The module can be extended from the case, positioned at optimal angles for disinfecting different surfaces, and retracted when not in use, making the system adaptable to various disinfection scenarios.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Adaptability or versatility

If the UV light module is fixed within the case, then the structure is simple, but the module cannot be positioned to treat various surfaces including external surfaces

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepositioning flexibilityVSAvoidmodule structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The UV light module is made movable relative to the case through a flexible cable connection, allowing dynamic positioning during use. The module can be extended from the case, positioned at optimal angles for disinfecting different surfaces, and retracted when not in use, making the system adaptable to various disinfection scenarios.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The UV light module can be positioned in multiple spatial dimensions relative to the case - it can be extended outward, angled at different orientations, and positioned to treat surfaces in front of, behind, or beside the phone, adding dimensional flexibility to the disinfection capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

3Ease of operation

If the UV light module is detached from the case, then external surfaces can be disinfected, but the module must be removed from the case

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconvenience of useVSAvoidattachment mechanism

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The UV light module is made movable relative to the case through a flexible cable connection, allowing dynamic positioning during use. The module can be extended from the case, positioned at optimal angles for disinfecting different surfaces, and retracted when not in use, making the system adaptable to various disinfection scenarios.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

4Ease of operation

If a tethered cable is used to connect the UV module to the case, then the module can move relative to the case, but the cable may interfere with operation

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveoperational smoothnessVSAvoidcable management

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

A flexible cable connects the UV light module to the case, allowing the module to move and position itself freely during disinfection operations. The flexibility of the cable prevents interference with module maneuvering while maintaining electrical connection, enabling smooth operation without rigid constraints.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

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 phone surfaces, case surfaces, and external surfaces using UV light, enhancing hygiene by providing a practical and convenient disinfection solution.

Implementation Method 1

UV light source configured to emit a disinfecting wavelength of UV light... viruses or bacteria that can be deactivated or killed in known manner with UV light

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectUV light disinfection: Radiation

Data Source

PatentUS11759536B2Mobile device case with disinfecting module

Publication Date: 2023.09.19 LEVANDOWSKI PETER GARTH

AI summary

A case for a mobile device is disclosed. The case includes a housing having a portion configured to receive a mobile device, and a tethered disinfecting module selectively removeable from the housing, the tethered disinfecting module having one or more UV light emitting devices configured to selectively emit disinfecting light upon surfaces of the case and the mobile device. Various embodiments include visible and blue light for disinfecting surfaces of a mobile device and the case.