Portable Reflective UV Sterilization Bag with Magnetic Actuation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing sanitizing devices are bulky, complex, and pose health risks, making them unsuitable for everyday use, while manual cleaning methods are inconvenient and unreliable for achieving consistent hygiene.

Innovation Solution

A portable, flexible bag with UV radiation emitting means and reflective fabric layers that emit UV-C radiation, ensuring effective sterilization through a magnetic actuation system that powers UV LEDs only when the bag is sealed, enhancing germicidal efficacy.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If common UV sanitizing apparatuses are used for sterilization, then germicidal effect is achieved, but the devices are bulky and complex making them unsuitable for everyday use

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesterilization effectivenessVSAvoiddevice structure
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs a flexible bag structure made of UV-resistant material that can be easily carried and stored, replacing bulky rigid UV sanitizing apparatuses. The bag contains UV LEDs and reflective material, allowing sterilization of objects like masks, gloves, and personal items in a portable, everyday-friendly format.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

Solution Approach 2:

The patent combines multiple functions into a single integrated bag system: UV radiation emitting means for sterilization, reflective material to enhance UV distribution, magnetic actuating means for safe operation, and a portable flexible body for storage and transport. This merging eliminates the need for separate sterilization devices.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

2Reliability

If UV radiation is used for sterilization, then pathogen elimination is achieved, but health and safety concerns arise due to potential skin damage

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesterilization effectivenessVSAvoidskin damage risk
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The bag incorporates a magnetic actuating means that automatically activates the UV LEDs only when the bag is properly closed and positioned. This self-regulating mechanism prevents accidental UV exposure to users while ensuring effective sterilization when intended, eliminating the need for manual control and reducing safety risks.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces a magnetic coupling mechanism as an intermediary between the user and the UV radiation source. The magnetic actuator responds to the metallic component in the bag closure, creating a safe interface that activates UV only under controlled conditions, thereby mediating between sterilization needs and user safety.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Ease of operation

If manual cleaning methods are used for sanitization, then simplicity is maintained, but effectiveness and consistency are unreliable

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesimplicity of cleaningVSAvoidsterilization consistency
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces manual mechanical cleaning actions with an automated UV radiation system. The UV LEDs emit germicidal radiation that automatically sterilizes objects placed in the bag, eliminating the need for manual scrubbing, rinsing, and drying steps while providing consistent and reliable sterilization results.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

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

Provides a convenient, safe, and effective means of sterilizing objects via UV irradiation, optimizing UV exposure and ensuring consistent disinfection without manual effort or complex setups.

Implementation Method 1

sterilizing an object accommodated therein via ultraviolet irradiation

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectUltraviolet irradiation: Radiation

Implementation Method 2

UV radiation of wavelengths at the ultraviolet C (UVC) and ultraviolet B (UVB) ranges are known to be germicidal which work by altering or breaking chemical bonds and/or denaturing proteins and nucleic acids

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectGermicidal action: Photo-oxidation

Implementation Method 3

a layer of the one or more layers forming the internal walls comprising a reflective fabric material adapted to reflect ultraviolet (UV) radiation emitted from the UV radiation emitting means and UV radiation reflected from the object

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectReflection: Reflection

Implementation Method 4

an actuating means adapted to actuate UV radiation from the UV radiation emitting means, wherein the actuating means comprises a magnetic inductor actuatable by the metallic zip head of the closing means

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMagnetic induction: Electromagnetic Induction

Data Source

PatentEP3912646B1A portable bag for sterlizing an object
Publication Date: 2025.10.29 INNOTIER LTD
  • EP3912646B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3912646B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3912646B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The invention relates to portable bag for sterilizing an object accommodated therein. The portable bag comprises a flexible body defining an internal space for accommodating the object; a plurality of ultraviolet (UV) radiation emitting means arranged at opposing internal walls of the flexible body; wherein the flexible body comprises one or more layers of fabric material, with one layer of the one or more layers forming the internal walls comprising a reflective fabric material adapted to reflect ultraviolet (UV) radiation emitted from the UV radiation emitting means and UV radiation reflected from the object. The invention further relates to a method of manufacturing said portable bag.