Portable UVC Disinfection Device with Skin-Safe Wavelength Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
There is a need for a portable, user-friendly, and cost-effective solution to reduce or eliminate pathogens on surfaces and in environments without causing skin irritation or damage, particularly in high-traffic areas and during pandemic alerts, as traditional disinfectants can be harmful and difficult to maintain hygienically.
Innovation Solution
A portable device emitting UVC radiation with a peak wavelength of 207-222 nm, designed to disinfect surfaces, objects, and fluids safely by using an excimer-based lamp with adjustable energy and a control unit that ensures safe exposure, preventing skin damage and allowing for efficient disinfection of bacteria, viruses, and other pathogens.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional chemical disinfectants are used, then disinfection effectiveness is achieved, but skin irritation and damage occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces chemical disinfectants with a physical UV-C irradiation system. The light source emits UV-C radiation (wavelength 200-280 nm) that destroys pathogens through photochemical effects without requiring chemical contact with skin, thereby eliminating skin irritation while maintaining disinfection effectiveness
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces UV-C radiation as an intermediary disinfection mechanism. Instead of direct chemical contact between disinfectant and surface/pathogen, the UV-C light acts as a mediator that transfers energy to destroy pathogens remotely, eliminating the need for harmful chemical substances that cause skin irritation
2Reliability
If UV-C radiation with wavelength below 200 nm is used for disinfection, then pathogen elimination is effective, but skin damage occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent optimizes the UV-C wavelength parameter to emit radiation in the range of 200-280 nm with peak emission between 207-222 nm. This parameter selection achieves effective pathogen elimination while avoiding the most harmful wavelengths below 200 nm that cause severe skin damage, thus resolving the contradiction between effectiveness and safety
3Ease of operation
If portable UV-C devices are used for disinfection, then user convenience and accessibility are improved, but control of radiation exposure becomes more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates sensors that detect the presence of users and provide feedback to the control system. When users are detected in the vicinity, the system automatically adjusts or terminates UV-C radiation emission, enabling safe portable operation without requiring complex manual control procedures
Solution Approach 2:
The device performs self-protection by automatically detecting user presence and controlling its own radiation output. The integrated sensors and control system enable the device to regulate exposure safely without external intervention, maintaining portability while managing radiation control complexity
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention relates to a portable device for reducing or eliminating pathogens. The device comprises a handle unit having at least one actuating element and a light source which can be connected to the handle unit and is designed to emit optical radiation in a wavelength range of 200 nm to 230 nm. The light source is further designed to expose a radiation region to optical radiation of a peak in a wavelength range of 207 nm to 222 nm. The device further comprises a detection unit for acquiring parameters and a control unit, the control unit controlling the light source by an operating element and according to the parameters acquired by the detection unit.