Mobile UVC LED Sterilizer with Photodiode Refraction Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current sterilization methods using fluorescent bulbs are costly, bulky, and not readily available in areas of greatest need, and alternative methods like chemical tablets or boiling are either ineffective or power-intensive, while short-wave ultraviolet light-emitting diode technology has been slow to adopt due to cost and power issues.

Innovation Solution

A mobile sterilization device utilizing a compact and low-cost ultraviolet light-emitting diode (UVC LED) with a light dispersive element and optical coupler, communicatively coupled to a controller, which activates the UVC LED for sterilization after determining the safety threshold of a material's refractive index using a photodiode.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If fluorescent bulbs are used for sterilization, then sterilization effectiveness is achieved, but device cost and bulk increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesterilization effectivenessVSAvoiddevice bulk and cost

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces traditional fluorescent bulb sterilization systems with a UVC LED-based optical system. The UVC LED emits ultraviolet light that directly penetrates and sterilizes liquids and surfaces, eliminating the need for bulky fluorescent bulb assemblies and their associated ballasts and starters.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the light source parameter from fluorescent bulbs to UVC LEDs, which have different emission characteristics. The UVC LEDs provide a more compact form factor, lower cost, and can be directly integrated with mobile devices, fundamentally altering the device architecture.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Ease of operation

If chemical tablets or boiling are used for sterilization, then simplicity is maintained, but sterilization effectiveness or power consumption deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesterilization simplicityVSAvoidsterilization effectiveness

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent substitutes chemical sterilization methods with a physical optical field (UVC light). The UVC LED generates ultraviolet radiation that directly destroys microorganism DNA, providing a more reliable and environmentally friendly alternative to chemical tablets while maintaining ease of use through mobile device integration.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Device complexity

If UVC LED technology is adopted, then device portability and cost are improved, but power consumption concerns arise

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedevice portability and costVSAvoidpower consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent integrates the UVC LED sterilization system with existing mobile devices, allowing the same power source (mobile device battery) to serve both the mobile device operation and the sterilization function. This multi-functionality approach eliminates the need for separate power systems, improving portability while managing power consumption through shared energy resources.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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 mobile sterilization device provides a cost-effective, portable, and efficient method for sterilizing liquids and surfaces using UVC LEDs, offering better power management and upfront sterility with improved volume coverage.

Implementation Method 1

UVGI utilizes short-wavelength ultraviolet radiation (UV-C) that is harmful to microorganisms. It can be effective in destroying the nucleic acids in these organisms such that their DNA is disrupted by the UV radiation

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectUltraviolet germicidal irradiation: Absorption (EM radiation)

Implementation Method 2

at least one light dispersive element at least one of transmits and disperses light from at least one light-emitting diode

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectLight dispersion: Dispersion (of waves)

Implementation Method 3

at least one light dispersive element at least one of transmits and disperses light from at least one light-emitting diode or transmits light to a photodiode

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPhotoelectric effect: Photoelectric Effect

Data Source

PatentUS9827340B2Mobile UV sterilization device and method

Publication Date: 2017.11.28 MAXIM INTEGRATED PROD INC

AI summary

A mobile sterilization assembly, a mobile sterilization device, and method for sterilization using a mobile sterilization device are described for providing a low-cost and compact sterilization system using an ultraviolet light-emitting diode for sterilization. In an implementation, a mobile sterilization assembly includes a sterilization assembly couplable to a mobile device with a controller, the sterilization assembly including at least one light dispersive element; and an optical coupler configured to couple the at least one light dispersive element to a mobile device; where the at least one light dispersive element at least one of transmits and disperses light from at least one light-emitting diode or transmits light to a photodiode, where the at least one light-emitting diode or the photodiode are configured to be communicatively coupled to the controller.