Hand Dryer Far-UVC Light Decontamination for Microbial Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Hand dryers in public places face challenges in minimizing bacterial and microbial contamination transmission among users, as existing cleaning methods often reintroduce microbes or are inefficient in removing contamination from high-risk areas like nozzles.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating a light source emitting far UVC light (specifically 222 nm) for decontamination, which is effective in killing microbes without damaging surfaces or posing harm to humans, and using a controller to activate the light source for timed or triggered cleaning cycles, along with touch sensors and contamination detectors for targeted illumination.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If wet cloth cleaning is used to remove visible dirt from hand dryers, then the surface appears clean, but more or different microbes are added to the surface
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical cleaning methods (wet cloths) with a light-based decontamination system. A light source emitting in the 200-280nm range (particularly 222nm far-UVC) is positioned to illuminate contaminated parts of the hand dryer, using photonic energy instead of mechanical contact to eliminate microbes without adding contamination
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces light as an intermediary substance between the cleaning function and the hand dryer surface. The light source acts as a mediator that can decontaminate surfaces without direct contact, allowing the cleaning function to be performed remotely through electromagnetic radiation rather than physical contact
2Object-affected harmful factors
If traditional UV light is used for decontamination, then microbes are killed, but the plastic surfaces of the hand dryer are damaged
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the wavelength parameter of the UV light from conventional ranges (254nm) to the far-UVC range (200-280nm, particularly 222nm). This parameter change allows the light to maintain microbial killing effectiveness while reducing damage to plastic surfaces, as the shorter wavelengths are less absorbed by common plastics
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies different wavelengths of light to different requirements: the 200-280nm range targets microbial DNA/RNA for destruction, while being selectively transparent to plastic materials. This creates a local quality effect where the same light source achieves both decontamination and material preservation
3Reliability
If hand dryers are cleaned frequently to reduce contamination, then microbial transmission is reduced, but the cleaning process itself introduces new microbes and requires maintenance time
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary decontamination action by positioning the light source to automatically illuminate contaminated parts when needed. The system can be triggered by sensors detecting hand presence or contamination, performing decontamination before new users interact with the hand dryer, reducing the need for frequent manual cleaning
Solution Approach 2:
The hand dryer performs self-decontamination through the integrated light source that can be activated automatically or on-demand. This self-service capability reduces dependence on external cleaning operations, allowing the device to maintain its own hygiene without requiring manual intervention
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
Significantly reduces microbial contamination on hand dryers by using non-damaging UV light for continuous or pulsed decontamination, ensuring user safety and reducing recontamination risks, even in indirect irradiation scenarios, while maintaining energy efficiency and surface material integrity.
Implementation Method 1
Light of these wavelengths is known to be very effective in killing any microbes that may have accumulated on the illuminated surfaces
Data Source
AI summary
A hand dryer is provided comprising at least one part that is susceptible to contamination when touched, and at least one light source for emitting light in a far UVC portion of the electromagnetic spectrum, the at least one light source being arranged in such a way as to illuminate the at least one part for the decontamination thereof, when emitting the light.