Mobile Device Sanitizing Enclosure for Radiation Leakage Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

Mobile electronic devices act as carriers for microbes due to continuous handling, posing a risk of infection transmission.

Innovation Solution

A sanitizing system with a housing, entry system, and receiver system that automatically sanitizes devices using radiation, featuring a dual-enclosure design to prevent radiation leakage and a conveyor for automated device handling, eliminating the need for manual interaction.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If radiation is used to sanitize mobile electronic devices, then sanitizing effectiveness is improved, but radiation leakage risk increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesanitizing effectivenessVSAvoidradiation leakage risk

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The enclosure is divided into multiple layers (first outer enclosure and second inner obstruction) with different radiation attenuation properties. This segmentation allows each layer to contribute differently to radiation blocking, achieving both effective containment and optimized protection against leakage.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The dual-enclosure structure acts as an intermediary barrier between the radiation source and the external environment. The first outer enclosure provides initial attenuation, while the second inner obstruction provides additional blocking, together serving as a mediating system that prevents harmful radiation leakage while maintaining sanitizing effectiveness.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Ease of operation

If automated receiver system is used to handle devices, then ease of operation is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveautomated device handlingVSAvoidreceiver system complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The receiver system is designed to perform multiple functions: receiving devices, conveying them to the sanitizing chamber, monitoring the sanitizing process, and ejecting sanitized devices. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate systems for each operation, optimizing ease of use while managing complexity through functional integration.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Object-affected harmful factors

If dual-enclosure design is implemented to block radiation, then radiation attenuation is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveradiation attenuationVSAvoidenclosure structure complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The first outer enclosure and second inner obstruction are designed with different radiation attenuation characteristics suited to their specific positions and functions. The outer enclosure provides initial attenuation, while the inner obstruction provides enhanced blocking where needed. This local optimization of radiation blocking properties achieves effective radiation containment while managing structural complexity through differentiated design.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

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 sanitizes devices without liquid contact, reducing microbial contamination risk and ensuring safe user interaction by preventing radiation exposure.

Implementation Method 1

a sanitizer contained within the housing configured to emit radiation with a sanitizing effect

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectRadiation: Radiation

Implementation Method 2

the entry system blocks radiation emitted within the sanitizing system to a level acceptable for consumer use

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectRadiation attenuation: Absorption (EM radiation)

Data Source

PatentUS20250303009A1Systems and methods for sanitizing mobile electronic devices

Publication Date: 2025.10.02 SIMPLEHUMAN LLC

AI summary

This disclosure includes a description of a sanitizing system for sanitizing a mobile electronic device comprising: a housing; a sanitizer contained within the housing configured to emit radiation with a sanitizing effect; and an entry system with a default closed position, the entry system being configured to permit a mobile electronic device to pass through the entry system and then automatically return to the default closed position, the entry system comprising a first outer enclosure and a second inner obstruction; wherein the entry system blocks radiation emitted within the sanitizing system to a level acceptable for consumer use, or wherein the second inner obstruction provides more radiation attenuation than the first outer enclosure, and/or wherein the combination of the first outer enclosure and the second inner obstruction provides more radiation attenuation than the first outer enclosure by itself. Disclosed are internal reflectors to help distribute sanitizing radiation generally evenly.