Handheld UV-C Sterilizer With Radial Light for Heat-Free Pasteurization
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional thermal pasteurization methods for food products result in nutritional loss and changes in taste and smell, while existing UV sterilization technologies are industrial-scale and unsuitable for domestic or small-scale use.
Innovation Solution
A portable UV sterilizing device with a handheld design, UV light sources, and a control unit for regulating intensity and duration, suitable for germicidal treatment of both consumable and non-consumable products, utilizing machine learning for optimized operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional thermal pasteurisation is used to destroy harmful pathogens, then microbial load is reduced, but nutritional value deteriorates and taste attributes change
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the thermal pasteurisation system with a UV-C LED-based germicidal system. Instead of using heat (thermal energy) to destroy pathogens, the invention uses UV-C light (electromagnetic energy) to achieve the same germicidal effect through a different physical mechanism, thereby preserving nutritional content while maintaining pathogen destruction capability
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the fundamental parameter from thermal energy to UV-C light energy. By using UV-C LEDs emitting at specific wavelengths (280-285nm), the system achieves germicidal effects without the thermal damage associated with conventional pasteurisation, thus resolving the contradiction between pathogen destruction and nutritional preservation
2Loss of substance
If UV light is used for germicidal treatment, then nutritional value is preserved, but device complexity increases and portability is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The invention divides the germicidal treatment system into modular UV-C LED arrays that can be independently controlled. This segmentation allows for simplified device architecture compared to industrial UV systems, enabling portable application while maintaining effectiveness. The modular nature also reduces overall system complexity by breaking down the treatment function into manageable units
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces complex industrial UV systems with solid-state UV-C LED technology. This substitution eliminates the need for bulky mercury vapor lamps, ballasts, and associated control systems, thereby reducing device complexity and enabling portable implementation while preserving the germicidal function that protects nutritional value
3Reliability
If industrial-scale UV systems are used for sterilisation, then germicidal effectiveness is achieved, but ease of operation is reduced and portability is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The invention replaces industrial-scale UV systems with portable UV-C LED devices that can be easily operated by consumers. The solid-state LED technology eliminates complex industrial infrastructure requirements, allowing the device to be handheld and used in domestic settings while maintaining germicidal effectiveness through optimized LED array configuration
Solution Approach 2:
The invention incorporates dynamic control features including adjustable exposure times and intensity levels, allowing users to adapt the treatment to different needs. This dynamic operation simplifies user interaction compared to fixed industrial systems, enhancing ease of operation while preserving germicidal effectiveness through flexible parameter adjustment
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
Effectively reduces microbial load without heat-related drawbacks, preserving nutritional value and taste, and providing flexible, user-friendly sterilization for various items.
Implementation Method 1
a plurality of UV light sources positioned at the distal portion and spaced around the distal portion, the plurality of UV light sources configured to project UV light outside the distal portion
Data Source
AI summary
A portable UV sterilising device comprising a proximal portion configured to be held by a hand of a user, a distal portion coupled to the proximal portion, and a plurality of UV light sources positioned at the distal portion. The UV light sources are spaced around the distal portion and configured to project UV light outside the distal portion. A control unit positioned at least partly within the proximal portion and is electrically coupled to the plurality of UV light sources. When the UV sterilising device is activated, the control unit controls the UV light sources to project UV light radially around at least a part of the distal portion.