Mobile UV-C Light Source Sets for Safe Multi-Axis Sterilization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional UV-C irradiation devices are bulky, unsafe for user proximity, lack multi-axis emission capabilities, and require specialized training for effective sterilization, limiting their widespread application.
Innovation Solution
A mobile imaging device with multiple light source sets, sensors, and a controller, equipped with safety features that ensure targeted UV-C irradiation based on sensor measurements, allowing safe and effective sterilization of various regions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional UV-C irradiation devices are used for sterilization, then effective disinfection is achieved, but the devices are bulky and require significant weight and size
Solution Approach 1:
The device divides the UV-C irradiation system into multiple independent light source sets (first, second, third light source sets) positioned at different locations within the housing. Each light source set can be independently controlled to emit UV-C irradiation in different directions, enabling comprehensive sterilization while maintaining a compact form factor.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from single-direction UV-C emission to multi-axis emission by positioning light source sets at different spatial locations and orientations within the housing. This three-dimensional arrangement allows UV-C irradiation to reach surfaces from multiple angles simultaneously, eliminating the need for large bulky devices while maintaining sterilization effectiveness.
2Reliability
If conventional UV-C irradiation devices are used for sterilization, then effective disinfection is achieved, but the devices are unsafe for user proximity and require protective garments
Solution Approach 1:
The device incorporates sensors that detect the presence of users or objects within the treatment area. When a user is detected, the controller automatically prevents UV-C light emission or interrupts ongoing emission, providing real-time safety feedback without requiring user awareness or protective garments. This creates a safe operating environment while maintaining sterilization effectiveness when the area is clear.
Solution Approach 2:
The safety mechanism proactively prevents harmful UV-C exposure by detecting user presence before irradiation begins or interrupting emission if a user enters during operation. This preliminary protective action eliminates the need for reactive protective garments and allows safe operation in user proximity.
3Reliability
If conventional UV-C irradiation devices are used for sterilization, then effective disinfection is achieved, but the devices lack mechanism to emit UV-C irradiation from multiple positions in multiple axis
Solution Approach 1:
The device divides the UV-C irradiation system into multiple independent light source sets (first, second, third light source sets) positioned at different locations within the housing. Each light source set can be independently controlled to emit UV-C irradiation in different directions, enabling comprehensive sterilization while maintaining a compact form factor.
Solution Approach 2:
The device integrates multiple light source sets with different emission orientations into a single unified system, allowing the same device to effectively sterilize various surface types and geometries (flat surfaces, corners, edges, vertical and horizontal surfaces) without requiring multiple specialized devices or complex positioning mechanisms.
4Reliability
If conventional UV-C irradiation devices are used for sterilization, then effective disinfection is achieved, but specialized training is required for effective sterilization
Solution Approach 1:
The device incorporates automated control mechanisms that eliminate the need for user expertise in determining proper irradiation parameters. The controller automatically manages the timing, duration, and sequencing of UV-C emission from multiple light source sets, ensuring effective sterilization without requiring user training or manual adjustment of technical parameters.
Solution Approach 2:
The device incorporates sensors that detect the presence of users or objects within the treatment area. When a user is detected, the controller automatically prevents UV-C light emission or interrupts ongoing emission, providing real-time safety feedback without requiring user awareness or protective garments. This creates a safe operating environment while maintaining sterilization effectiveness when the area is clear.
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
Enables safe, targeted UV-C sterilization of regions of interest, ensuring user safety and effective disinfection without specialized training, suitable for diverse environments and surfaces.
Implementation Method 1
ultraviolet C ('UV-C') irradiation have been shown to have certain disinfection properties when used to illuminate a target area having harmful bacteria or viral organisms
Data Source
AI summary
Provided are mobile imaging devices and methods thereof. A mobile imaging device includes a plurality of light source sets, sensors, and a controller. At least one program is non-transiently stored in and executable by the controller. The program causes the controller to perform a method including acquiring a corresponding value for each condition in a first plurality of conditions when the device is at a first position using the sensors to collect a plurality of measurements associated with a region of interest that is not exposed to the plurality of light source sets. The method includes firing with the device held at the first position, if the corresponding value satisfies a corresponding condition specification for a respective condition in the first plurality of conditions, the plurality of light source sets based on a second plurality of conditions. Accordingly, light emits that is substantially limited to a spectral range.