Flexible UV LED Sanitizing Apparatus with Hinged Panels
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current sanitizing methods for household and electronic devices are either expensive, cumbersome, or pose health risks due to the use of chemicals, and existing UV light sanitizing devices provide non-uniform exposure and safety concerns.
Innovation Solution
A flexible UV LED sanitizing apparatus with hinged panels and interlock mechanisms that emit UVC radiation at 254 nm, ensuring efficient and safe sanitization of various surfaces, including electronic devices, with over 99.99% kill rate of bacteria and viruses in under 60 seconds.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If chemical disinfectants are used, then sanitization effectiveness is improved, but health safety deteriorates due to potential harm and toxicity to humans and animals
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces chemical disinfectants with a physical UV-C LED light system. The UV-C LEDs emit light at 254 nm wavelength that directly kills bacteria and viruses through photodamage to microbial DNA/RNA, eliminating the need for harmful chemical substances while maintaining sanitization effectiveness
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the sanitization method from chemical to physical by utilizing specific electromagnetic radiation parameters. UV-C LEDs operate at wavelengths between 200-280 nm (specifically 254 nm), which is the optimal range for microbial inactivation, providing effective sanitization without chemical toxicity
2Reliability
If conventional UV light sources are used, then sanitization capability is achieved, but uniformity of exposure deteriorates leading to inconsistent disinfection results
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the UV light source into multiple discrete UV-C LED elements arranged in arrays across the panel surface. This segmentation allows each LED to emit UV-C radiation from a fixed position, ensuring comprehensive and uniform coverage of the treatment area without the positioning inconsistencies of handheld devices
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs movable panels that can be adjusted and repositioned to adapt to different object sizes and shapes. The panels can be moved closer or farther from the target object and angled to ensure uniform UV-C exposure across surfaces of varying geometries, solving the uniformity problem for diverse applications
3Ease of operation
If handheld UV wands are used, then portability is improved, but safety control deteriorates due to lack of automated shutdown and user exposure risk
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates sensors that detect the presence of objects within the treatment chamber and automatically control the UV-C LED operation. When an object is detected, the system activates the UV-C LEDs; when no object is present or the chamber is opened, the system automatically shuts down, providing safety feedback control without requiring manual intervention
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs safety monitoring and automated shutdown functions without user intervention. The interlock mechanisms and sensors automatically manage the UV-C LED operation, ensuring safety while maintaining the portability and ease of use of the handheld device
4Stability of the object's composition
If rigid UV sanitizing devices are used, then structural stability is improved, but adaptability to different surfaces and devices deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs movable and adjustable panels that can be repositioned and reconfigured for different treatment needs. The panels can be moved closer or farther from the target object and angled to conform to various surface geometries, providing adaptability while maintaining structural integrity through controlled movement mechanisms
Solution Approach 2:
The patent designs a universal sanitizing device that can treat multiple types of objects including keyboards, smartphones, tablets, remote controls, and other electronic devices. The movable panels and adjustable positioning system allow the same device to effectively sanitize various surfaces and geometries, achieving versatility without sacrificing structural stability
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 apparatus provides a convenient, safe, and effective sanitization solution for diverse surfaces and devices, reducing germ transmission risks in public and private settings, while minimizing exposure to harmful chemicals and ensuring uniform disinfection.
Implementation Method 1
Ultraviolet (UV) radiation is known as a highly effective means of destroying microorganisms. At an optimal wavelength of 254 nm, shortwave UV radiation (UVC) exposure kills bacteria, molds, protozoa, yeasts, and viruses on the surfaces of household and personal objects
Implementation Method 2
Exposure to UVC damages microbial DNA by triggering adjacent thymine molecules to dimerize, thereby disrupting DNA and RNA replication and ultimately killing the pathogen
Implementation Method 3
The various embodiment apparatus and methods utilize LEDs to generate UVC in a range of flexible configurations
Implementation Method 4
Transform Electrical Energy to Optical Energy
Data Source
AI summary
A sanitizing apparatus in a flexible configuration that uses ultraviolet (UV) radiation emitted from light emitting diodes (LEDs) may be folded or rolled for storage and transport. A piecewise flexible sanitizing apparatus may be formed with hinged or otherwise rotationally joined panels, and provides the ability to sanitize a variety of objects beneath enclosure panels. A continuous flexible sanitizing apparatus with an enclosure panel formed of flexible material may be folded or rolled and may be used with a support structure to treat taller objects.