Dry sterilizing device and dry sterilizing method
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing hand dryers and sterilizers that use ultraviolet light for bacterial disinfection can harm human skin due to the specific wavelengths used, potentially leading to photo-aging and skin cancer, as they emit harmful UV radiation.
Innovation Solution
A hand dryer and sterilizer device that emits ultraviolet light within the 190 nm to 237 nm wavelength range, using a filtering member to block harmful wavelengths and ensure safe sterilization without adverse effects on human cells, combined with a controlled air blower unit for efficient drying and sterilization.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If ultraviolet light with wavelength 253.7 nm is used for sterilization, then sterilization effect is maximized, but harmful effects on human skin increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the wavelength parameter of ultraviolet light from the conventional 253.7 nm to a range of 190 nm to 237 nm. This parameter change maintains effective sterilization while reducing harmful effects on human skin, as the shorter wavelength range is less absorbed by skin tissues
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies different wavelength characteristics to different parts of the ultraviolet spectrum. By selecting specific wavelength bands (190-237 nm) that have different penetration and absorption characteristics compared to conventional UV, it achieves localized optimization where sterilization effectiveness is maintained while skin damage is reduced
2Reliability
If ultraviolet light is emitted for effective sterilization, then bacteria are deactivated, but risk of photo-aging and skin cancer increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent modifies the wavelength parameter to 190-237 nm range, which changes the interaction mechanism with biological tissues. This parameter change allows bacterial deactivation while minimizing the generation of harmful effects like photo-aging and skin cancer that are associated with longer wavelength UV radiation
3Reliability
If conventional ultraviolet sterilization is used, then sterilization is achieved, but accumulated irradiation damages normal cells
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the wavelength parameter to a shorter range (190-237 nm) where the energy is sufficient for bacterial deactivation but the penetration depth and cumulative damage to normal human cells is reduced. This allows repeated use without accumulating harmful effects on skin cells
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 deactivates bacteria on the hands and fingers while minimizing harm to human skin, providing a safe and efficient drying and sterilization process.
Implementation Method 1
at least one ultraviolet light emitting unit configured to emit ultraviolet light toward the interior of the hollow portion. The ultraviolet light emitted from the ultraviolet light emitting unit(s) includes at least part of a wavelength between 190 nm and 230 nm and at least part of a wavelength between 230 nm and 237 nm
Implementation Method 2
at least one air blower unit configured to make a flow of air toward an interior of the hollow portion
Data Source
AI summary
A sterilizing device includes a housing having an opening in at least one direction thereof. The housing also has a hollow portion configured to allow insertion of an object (target) including part of a human body from the opening into the hollow portion. The sterilizing device also includes at least one air blower unit configured to send a flow of air toward an interior of the hollow portion, and at least one ultraviolet light emitting unit configured to emit ultraviolet light toward the interior of the hollow portion. The ultraviolet light emitted from each ultraviolet light emitting unit includes at least part of ultraviolet light having a wavelength between 190 nm and 230 nm and at least part of ultraviolet light having a wavelength between 230 nm and 237 nm, but does not include ultraviolet light having a wavelength below 190 nm and beyond 237 nm.