Antimicrobial Metal Switch Cover for Wiring Devices
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Solution Overview
Problem
Wiring devices, such as switches, are frequently touched by multiple individuals, leading to the transfer of microorganisms like bacteria and fungi, which can cause infections, and existing antimicrobial coatings wear off over time, losing their effectiveness.
Innovation Solution
The integration of a metal switch cover with antimicrobial properties, fabricated from materials like copper, nickel, or silver, or their alloys, which is easier to clean and reduces the transfer of microorganisms by killing them upon contact.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a spray containing antimicrobial properties is applied to the wiring device, then the antimicrobial effectiveness is improved, but the duration of action deteriorates as the coating wears off over time
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the material parameter of the switch cover from conventional non-metallic materials to antimicrobial metal materials (such as copper, brass, or stainless steel with antimicrobial properties). This material substitution provides inherent antimicrobial effectiveness that does not wear off like spray coatings, thereby resolving the contradiction between maintaining antimicrobial effectiveness and ensuring long-lasting duration.
2Duration of action of stationary object
If a metal member with antimicrobial properties is integrated into the wiring device, then the duration of action is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the antimicrobial metal member with the switch cover, making the metal member an integral part of the existing device structure rather than a separate additive component. This integration approach maintains durability and antimicrobial properties while minimizing increases in device complexity by utilizing the switch cover as the vehicle for metal incorporation.
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 metal switch cover effectively reduces the transmission of microorganisms between users and maintains antimicrobial efficacy, providing a durable solution to the issue of microbial transfer on wiring devices.
Implementation Method 1
a metal member coupled to the paddle base and disposed substantially on the first side of the paddle base... fabricated from materials like copper, nickel, or silver, or their alloys, which is easier to clean and reduces the transfer of microorganisms by killing them upon contact
Data Source
AI summary
An electrical wiring device includes a metal switch cover as a user contact point. The metal switch cover has antimicrobial properties that reduces microorganisms that are present on the wiring device, and helps reduce the spread of infections or disease from user to user. The metal switch cover is disposed on a switch in the wiring device, such that users touch the metal switch cover when operating the switch. In some exemplary embodiments, the metal switch cover is coupled to a paddle-style switch and takes on the profile of a paddle. In some exemplary embodiments, the metal switch cover is coupled to a toggle-style switch and take on the profile of a toggle.