Movable UV-C Sterilization Unit for Compact Public Transit
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing sterilization methods using light sources for public transportation and facilities face challenges in efficiently covering multiple target areas with a simple setup, leading to increased costs and prolonged sterilization times due to the need for multiple light sources and complex installations.
Innovation Solution
A sterilization device with a movable sterilization unit that includes multiple light sources arranged circumferentially and a reflector system, capable of being withdrawn inside a housing to conserve space, allowing for efficient UV-C light irradiation of various target areas through a vertical movement mechanism and adjustable illumination units.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If multiple light sources are provided to cover entire sterilization target areas, then sterilization coverage is improved, but device complexity and installation difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The sterilization unit is designed to be movable between interior and exterior of the housing via a driving unit. This dynamic configuration allows a single sterilization unit to cover multiple target areas by moving to different positions, eliminating the need for multiple fixed light sources and reducing overall device complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The sterilization unit is designed as a universal component that can serve multiple functions by being relocated to different target areas. The same sterilization unit can disinfect various contact surfaces including door handles, railings, and other high-touch areas, replacing the need for dedicated light sources for each area
2Reliability
If separate light sources are installed for each sterilization target area, then sterilization effectiveness is improved, but installation complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The movable sterilization unit can be positioned at different target areas as needed, providing effective sterilization coverage without requiring permanent installation of multiple light sources. The driving unit enables easy repositioning to maintain sterilization effectiveness across various areas
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple sterilization functions for different target areas are merged into a single sterilization unit. By combining the sterilization capability with a movable platform, the system achieves the effectiveness of multiple separate light sources while simplifying installation to just one unit
3Device complexity
If the number of light sources is reduced to simplify setup, then device complexity is reduced, but sterilization time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The movable sterilization unit compensates for having fewer light sources by rapidly moving between target areas. The driving unit enables quick repositioning, allowing the single sterilization unit to cover multiple areas in sequence without significantly increasing total sterilization time
Solution Approach 2:
The sterilization process maintains continuity through the movable unit that can immediately transition from one target area to another. This continuous operation minimizes idle time between sterilizing different areas, preventing significant time loss despite using fewer light sources
4Volume of moving object
If sterilization unit is placed inside housing to save space, then space occupation is reduced, but accessibility to target areas is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The sterilization unit is designed with movable capability, allowing it to transition from a retracted position inside the housing to an extended position where it can access target areas. The driving unit facilitates this movement, enabling the unit to operate on various surfaces including door handles and railings while maintaining a compact footprint when not in use
Solution Approach 2:
The sterilization unit utilizes vertical movement through an opening in the housing to access target areas. By moving in the vertical dimension rather than requiring lateral space, the system achieves accessibility to various heights and positions while minimizing the horizontal space occupied by the housing
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 easy and efficient sterilization of multiple target areas with reduced setup complexity and space occupation, while ensuring uniform coverage and minimizing adverse effects on humans or vehicle systems during operation.
Implementation Method 1
a sterilization unit that irradiates sterilization light to at least one sterilization target area
Implementation Method 2
at least one reflector to reflect the sterilization light generated from the at least one light source to the at least one sterilization target area
Data Source
AI summary
A sterilization device includes a housing; a sterilization unit which emits germicidal light for sterilization of at least one target area to be sterilized; and a drive unit which moves at least a part of the sterilization unit between the outside and inside of the housing through an opening provided in the housing.