Portable UV Sterilization Case for Compact Oral Appliance Storage
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing sterilization cases for oral appliances are bulky and not portable, failing to meet the needs of individuals who require easy and compact sterilization while on the go, particularly for items like retainers or aligners.
Innovation Solution
A rechargeable, portable UV sterilization case with a compact design, featuring a hinged case body, a rechargeable battery, and UV lights for sterilization, designed to fit in a pocket and include features like a power button and see-through material for visual cues, allowing easy and effective sterilization of oral appliances.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If existing sterilization cases for oral appliances are designed to be effective, then sterilization function is improved, but device size becomes bulky and portability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The UV sterilization lights are nested within the case body structure, with the lights positioned inside the case and accessible through the opening mechanism. This integration allows the sterilization function to be embedded within the compact case volume rather than adding external bulky components.
Solution Approach 2:
The case incorporates a movable hinge connecting the top and bottom portions, allowing dynamic opening and closing motion. This dynamic structure enables compact storage when closed while providing access for sterilization when opened, optimizing the volume utilization throughout the device cycle.
2Ease of operation
If sterilization case is made compact for portability, then ease of carrying is improved, but sterilization effectiveness may deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The case provides localized sterilization by positioning UV lights at specific locations inside the case body where they can effectively treat the oral appliance. The lights are strategically placed to ensure adequate sterilization coverage within the compact volume, maintaining effectiveness despite the reduced size.
Solution Approach 2:
The rechargeable battery enables continuous operation of the UV sterilization lights without interruption. The battery maintains power supply throughout the sterilization cycle, ensuring consistent and effective sterilization action continuously until the appliance is removed from the case.
3Volume of moving object
If case body is divided into movable portions for compactness, then portability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The case body is segmented into two main portions (top and bottom) connected by a hinge, allowing the case to fold compactly while maintaining structural integrity. This segmentation enables the case to achieve a compact form factor without requiring complex multi-component assemblies.
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 efficient, portable, and convenient sterilization of oral appliances, ensuring bacteria and pathogens are effectively eliminated during travel, with a compact and user-friendly design that fits easily in a pocket.
Implementation Method 1
at least one ultraviolet light mounted in the case body and being powered by the rechargeable battery, the at least one ultraviolet light being configured to sterilize the oral appliance
Data Source
AI summary
A sterilization system and method for sterilizing an oral appliance is disclosed. As part of the system, a sterilization case is provided, which includes a case body, a rechargeable battery, and at least one ultraviolet light. The case body includes a top portion and a bottom portion movably connected to one another, and the case body is sized and shaped to house the oral appliance. The at least one ultraviolet light is mounted in the case body, is powered by the rechargeable battery, and, in use, sterilizes the oral appliance.