Flexible Sterilizing Sheet with Rewinding Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional disinfection apparatuses for electronic devices are bulky, difficult to use on narrow surfaces, and cannot accommodate devices of various sizes, requiring multiple apparatuses and significant storage space, with limited ability to sterilize side surfaces and narrow gaps.
Innovation Solution
A flexible sterilizing sheet with a sheet-like dielectric and embedded electrodes, a rewinding mechanism, and a handle with a built-in power source for ozone generation, allowing for adjustable length and thorough sterilization of various-sized objects without the need for multiple devices or extensive storage space.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a box-shaped disinfection apparatus is used to irradiate with ultraviolet light, then bacteria can be killed on the surface of electronic devices, but the apparatus becomes large in size and difficult to use on narrow desks
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the rigid box-shaped apparatus with a flexible sheet body made of dielectric material that can be stretched and conform to the surface of electronic devices. This flexible film approach allows the sterilization function to be maintained while dramatically reducing the apparatus size and enabling use on narrow surfaces.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a dynamic, adjustable-length sheet body that can be extended or retracted based on the size of the device being sterilized. The sheet body can be pulled out to cover larger surfaces or folded back for compact storage, transforming the static box structure into an adaptive, space-efficient system.
2Reliability
If a fixed-size box apparatus is used, then sterilization can be performed, but the apparatus cannot accommodate electronic devices of various sizes and requires multiple apparatuses
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a dynamic sheet body with adjustable length that can be extended to cover large devices like desktop keyboards or retracted for small devices like smartphones. This single apparatus with variable dimensions replaces the need for multiple fixed-size apparatuses, providing universal adaptability across different device sizes.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a universal sterilization apparatus that can serve multiple functions across different device types and sizes through its adjustable sheet body. One apparatus replaces multiple specialized apparatuses, eliminating the need to create or buy separate apparatuses for different device dimensions.
3Reliability
If a rigid box apparatus is used, then sterilization can be performed, but the apparatus cannot be disassembled or folded and requires large storage space
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a flexible sheet body that can be easily folded, rolled, or stored in a compact state within the accommodating body. This flexibility allows the apparatus to be stored in small spaces when not in use, eliminating the need for large storage areas required by rigid box apparatuses.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a dynamic accommodating body that can expand to hold the full length of the sheet body during sterilization and then compact when the sheet is retracted. This dynamic storage capability allows the apparatus to transition between operational and storage states, providing ease of storage without compromising sterilization functionality.
4Reliability
If ultraviolet light is irradiated from above the keyboard surface, then surface sterilization is achieved, but side surfaces and narrow gap portions at the back of key buttons cannot be sterilized
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a flexible sheet body that can be stretched across the keyboard surface and conform to the three-dimensional shape of the device. This allows the sheet to contact and sterilize not only the top surface but also side surfaces and narrow gaps that would be inaccessible to overhead ultraviolet irradiation, achieving comprehensive sterilization coverage.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from two-dimensional overhead irradiation to three-dimensional contact sterilization by stretching the flexible sheet body across the device surface. This dimensional change enables the sterilization function to reach all surfaces including vertical sides and recessed areas that would otherwise remain unsterilized.
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 efficient, space-saving sterilization of electronic devices and other objects of various sizes, ensuring thorough disinfection, including hard-to-reach areas, with reduced thickness and weight, and increased portability.
Implementation Method 1
a power source (41) accommodated in the handle (4) and capable of supplying a voltage necessary to generate ozone to the pair of electrodes (21, 22)
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3
Figure 4~5
AI summary
The objective of the present invention is to provide a sterilizing sheet which is excellent in terms of saving space when a sterilizing operation is being performed, in terms of being capable of sterilizing objects of various sizes, and in terms of being capable of being stored when not in use, and which can moreover sterilize objects thoroughly. This sterilizing sheet 1 is provided with a flexible sheet body 2, a sheet accommodating body 3 and a handle 4. The sheet body 2 is formed from a dielectric 20 and a pair of electrodes 21 and 22 accommodated inside the dielectric 20. The sheet accommodating body 3 is a cylindrical body in which the sheet body 2 is accommodated in such a way as to be capable of being pulled out and rewound, and is provided with a case 30, a rotating body 31 and a rewinding mechanism 5. The rewinding mechanism 5 is a mechanism for automatically rewinding the sheet body 2, when pulled out from the sheet accommodating body 3, back into the sheet accommodating body 3. The handle 4 is attached to a distal end portion of the sheet body 2, and includes, inside the handle 4, a battery 41, a switch mechanism 42, a booster circuit 43 and a monitoring circuit 44.