Portable Disposable UVC Sanitizer With Visible Aiming Light
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current UVC light options for killing pathogens are expensive, have singular specific uses, and pose risks to human health, making them inaccessible and unsafe for everyday consumer use.
Innovation Solution
A handheld, portable, and disposable UVC light device that emits far-UVC light, providing safe and effective pathogen elimination on surfaces and in the air, with optional rechargeable battery power and visible light indication for aiming, and modular components for easy replacement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional UVC light options are used to kill pathogens, then pathogen elimination effectiveness is improved, but device accessibility and safety for everyday consumer use deteriorate due to high cost and health risks
Solution Approach 1:
The device is divided into modular components including a replaceable UVC light source module, battery compartment, and housing. This segmentation allows the expensive UVC component to be replaced independently while keeping the rest of the device, making high-effectiveness UVC technology accessible at lower cost.
Solution Approach 2:
A visible light indicator system acts as an intermediary to guide users on proper device operation and safety. The visible light shows the irradiation area and operational status, ensuring safe usage while maintaining effective pathogen elimination.
2Reliability
If traditional UVC light options are used, then pathogen sanitization capability is improved, but device versatility and adaptability worsen due to singular specific uses
Solution Approach 1:
The device is designed with a universal UVC light source that can sanitize multiple surfaces including hands, phone screens, remote controls, and other frequently touched objects. The modular design allows the same core device to adapt to different sanitization needs by replacing only the light source module.
Solution Approach 2:
The device incorporates adjustable features including variable irradiation patterns and replaceable light source modules that can be optimized for different surfaces and applications, enabling dynamic adaptation to various sanitization requirements while maintaining effective pathogen elimination.
3Ease of operation
If disposable or rechargeable format is used, then device accessibility for everyday use is improved, but device complexity increases due to modular components and power management systems
Solution Approach 1:
The device uses simple modular segmentation with clearly defined components (housing, battery, light source, indicator) that are easy to assemble and replace. Each module is designed for straightforward installation without requiring complex tools or technical knowledge, maintaining accessibility despite modularity.
4Ease of operation
If visible light indicator is added for aiming guidance, then ease of operation is improved, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The visible light indicator operates periodically or only during critical phases such as initial aiming or when the UVC light is activated, rather than continuously. This periodic operation provides necessary guiding functionality while significantly reducing overall energy consumption compared to continuous operation.
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 device offers safe, affordable, and versatile pathogen sanitization for everyday use, eliminating risks associated with traditional UVC light while ensuring accessibility and effectiveness.
Implementation Method 1
an irradiation portion or light source that provides irradiation or light in the UVC spectrum for generating and emitting UVC light
Implementation Method 2
a visible light emitter that emits at least one indicia or shape that indicates a surface or object that is irradiated by the UVC light
Data Source
AI summary
A handheld portable device for sanitizing a surface or air surrounding a surface. The handheld portable device includes a body that comprises a user input and a UVC light source disposed at the body. The handheld portable device also includes a power source for providing power to the UVC light source. Responsive to actuating the user input, such as by a user holding the handheld portable device, the UVC light source emits UVC light to sanitize the surface or the air surrounding the surface of pathogens. The handheld portable device includes a visible light emitter that, when powered, emits visible light to indicate the surface or space that is irradiated by the UVC light.