Flexible UV Substrate for Enclosure Disinfection
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current ultraviolet radiation sanitizing devices are not easily integrated into flexible enclosures, limiting their usability and safety for disinfecting items within these enclosures.
Innovation Solution
A flexible substrate with embedded ultraviolet radiation sources and a control system, capable of deformation, is integrated into enclosures to generate and manage UV radiation safely and effectively for disinfection, featuring wave-guiding, absorbing, or reflective surfaces to direct and contain the radiation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If rigid UV sanitizing devices are used, then UV radiation can be effectively generated for disinfection, but the devices cannot be integrated into flexible enclosures and limit user mobility
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies this principle by mounting UV radiation sources onto a flexible substrate that can be integrated into flexible enclosures. The substrate maintains its flexibility while supporting the UV sources, enabling the device to be carried and used in various flexible container configurations without compromising the UV radiation generation capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent divides the UV sanitizing system into modular components: individual UV radiation sources mounted on flexible substrates that can be independently integrated into different enclosure types. This segmentation allows the UV function to be adapted to various flexible container configurations while maintaining effectiveness.
2Ease of operation
If UV radiation sources are mounted on flexible substrates, then the device becomes portable and can be carried, but the wiring and control systems become more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the wiring and control system directly with the flexible substrate, integrating these components into a unified structure. This combination reduces the number of separate parts and simplifies the overall device architecture while maintaining portability and ease of operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The flexible substrate serves multiple functions: it provides mechanical support for UV sources, contains embedded wiring for power and control signals, and acts as the structural base for the enclosure. This multi-functionality reduces device complexity by eliminating the need for separate components.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If UV radiation is generated within closed flexible enclosures, then safe disinfection of items is achieved, but the enclosure must remain closed preventing user access during operation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary action by requiring the enclosure to be closed before UV radiation is activated. This sequence ensures that users are protected from UV exposure while still allowing them to place items inside and then access them after the disinfection cycle completes. The control system manages the timing of UV activation relative to enclosure closure.
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 safe and efficient disinfection of items within flexible enclosures, allowing users to carry them while disinfecting, with embedded wiring and control systems ensuring safe operation and effective UV radiation distribution.
Implementation Method 1
at least one ultraviolet radiation source mounted on the flexible substrate, the at least one ultraviolet radiation source configured to generate ultraviolet radiation
Implementation Method 2
the flexible substrate has at least one of: a wave-guiding structure, an ultraviolet absorbing surface, or an ultraviolet reflective surface
Implementation Method 3
the flexible substrate has at least one of: a wave-guiding structure, an ultraviolet absorbing surface, or an ultraviolet reflective surface
Implementation Method 4
the flexible substrate has at least one of: a wave-guiding structure, an ultraviolet absorbing surface, or an ultraviolet reflective surface
Data Source
AI summary
A solution in which an ultraviolet radiation source is mounted on a flexible substrate is provided. The flexible substrate is capable of having a deformation curvature of at least 0.1 inverse meters. The flexible substrate may be incorporated within an existing enclosure or included in the enclosure. The flexible substrate can be utilized as part of a solution for disinfecting one or more items located within the enclosure. In this case, while the items are within the enclosure, ultraviolet radiation is generated and directed at the items. Wiring for the ultraviolet radiation source can be embedded within the flexible substrate and the flexible substrate can have at least one of: a wave-guiding structure, an ultraviolet absorbing surface, or an ultraviolet reflective surface. A control system can be utilized to manage generation of the ultraviolet radiation within the enclosure.