Photochromic Bumper for UV Sanitization Indication
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing solutions for indicating UV sanitization of surfaces, such as photoluminescent indicators, lack accuracy and visibility under ambient lighting conditions, often causing false indications due to exposure to non-UV light sources.
Innovation Solution
A retrofitted protective bumper made of photochromic plastic material that changes color when exposed to UV light, providing a visible indication under ambient lighting without the need for additional visual aids, attached to surfaces in high-traffic areas like aircraft cabins.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If photoluminescent indicators are used to indicate UV sanitization, then visual indication is provided, but the indication may be inaccurate due to exposure to non-UV light sources and is not visible without additional visual aids
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies photochromic materials that undergo reversible color changes when exposed to UV light. These materials transition from a first color state to a second color state upon UV exposure, providing a clear visual indication that is visible under ambient lighting conditions without requiring additional visual aids like black lights.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention utilizes materials whose optical properties change in response to specific wavelengths of light. The photochromic materials exhibit wavelength-selective response, changing color only when exposed to UV light within a specific wavelength range, thereby distinguishing UV sanitization from exposure to other light sources.
2Reliability
If photoluminescent indicators are used, then visual indication is provided, but false indications occur when exposed to cabin lighting or other non-UV light sources
Solution Approach 1:
The photochromic materials are selected and configured to respond specifically to UV light wavelengths while remaining substantially inert to visible light wavelengths. This wavelength selectivity ensures that cabin lighting and other non-UV light sources do not trigger false color changes, eliminating false positive indications.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention employs composite photochromic formulations that combine multiple photochromic compounds with specific absorption characteristics. These composite materials enhance the selectivity and sensitivity to UV wavelengths while maintaining stability against other light sources, improving reliability of the indication.
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 solution provides a reliable and easily accessible visual confirmation of UV sanitization, reducing the likelihood of false indications and ensuring that sanitization is accurately communicated to users without relying on black lights or other aids.
Implementation Method 1
The retrofitted protective bumper comprises a photochromic plastic material that, when exposed to UV light, changes from a first color to a second color that is different from the first color and that is visible under ambient lighting conditions
Data Source
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AI summary
In an example, a protective assembly (100) for visually indicating ultraviolet (UV) sanitization of an area is described. The protective assembly (100) comprises a retrofitted protective bumper (102) attachable to one or more surfaces in the area such that the retrofitted protective bumper (102) covers at least a portion of the one or more surfaces. The retrofitted protective bumper (102) comprises a photochromic plastic material (106) that, when exposed to UV light, changes from a first color to a second color that is different from the first color and that is visible under ambient lighting conditions.