Foldable UV-C Disinfection Units for Full Interior Coverage
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing disinfection devices for enclosed spaces, such as vehicles, suffer from reduced disinfection performance due to decreased intensity of light sources with increasing distance and angle, limiting their effectiveness in disinfecting all areas within the space.
Innovation Solution
A rotatable disinfection device with movable disinfection units, including a base, lower, and upper units, equipped with UV-C LEDs, that can unfold from a folded position to multiple operational positions, allowing for adjustable light source angles and comprehensive disinfection coverage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a fixed disinfection device is used, then the device structure is simple, but the disinfection coverage is limited and cannot disinfect all areas within the space
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by making the disinfection units movable rather than fixed. The units can rotate and change positions to illuminate different areas of the enclosed space, transforming a static structure into a dynamic one that adapts to various disinfection needs while maintaining reasonable structural complexity through modular design.
2Reliability
If the light source intensity is increased, then the disinfection performance is improved, but the energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent reduces energy consumption by making the disinfection units movable and positionable. Instead of using a single high-intensity light source that must operate continuously, the system uses multiple lower-intensity units that can be positioned close to target areas, reducing the total energy required while maintaining effective disinfection performance.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies local quality by concentrating light sources at specific locations where disinfection is needed rather than uniformly distributing high-intensity light throughout the space. Each disinfection unit can be independently positioned to target specific areas, optimizing energy usage by delivering appropriate intensity only where required.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple disinfection units are added, then the disinfection coverage is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing the disinfection system into multiple independent units, each capable of being positioned and oriented separately. This modular approach allows the system to achieve comprehensive coverage through coordinated operation of simpler individual components rather than requiring a single complex high-capacity unit.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent makes each disinfection unit multi-functional by enabling it to perform multiple functions: illumination, disinfection, and positioning. Each unit can be independently controlled to target different areas, allowing the same hardware configuration to adapt to various disinfection scenarios without requiring additional specialized components.
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 device provides improved disinfection performance by ensuring thorough disinfection of all interior spaces, maximizing light source effectiveness through adjustable angles and comprehensive coverage.
Implementation Method 1
Ultraviolet light includes UV-C light in the wavelength range of 200 nm (nanometer) to 280 nm
Implementation Method 2
UV promotes chemical reactions, oxidizes organic matter, and kills microorganisms
Data Source
AI summary
A disinfection device includes at least two disinfection units movable into an unfolded position for operation thereof, the at least two disinfection units including a first disinfection unit and a second disinfection unit, and each of the disinfection units including a light source for disinfection, and a base configured to provide a moving force to the disinfection units.