Pulsed Light Sterilization Device for Containers
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional ultraviolet sterilization devices require prolonged irradiation times and have controversies regarding their effectiveness, while pulsed light sterilization technologies face challenges in minimizing shaded areas and adapting to different materials for efficient sterilization.
Innovation Solution
A container sterilization device using pulsed light with a xenon lamp configuration that minimizes shaded areas by adjusting the lamp's position and energy output based on the container's material, incorporating a container cover for light-transmissive materials, and integrating pulsed light generation with washing and drying functions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If ultraviolet sterilization devices are used, then sterilization can be achieved, but prolonged irradiation time is required and effectiveness is controversial
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the fundamental parameter of sterilization from ultraviolet radiation to pulsed light (visible light range). This parameter change enables significantly shorter irradiation times while maintaining or improving sterilization effectiveness, directly resolving the contradiction between reliability and time loss.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs pulsed light irradiation with specific pulse widths (1-100 microseconds) and repetition frequencies. This periodic action concentrates energy delivery into short bursts, achieving effective sterilization in much less time compared to continuous ultraviolet irradiation, thus resolving the time effectiveness contradiction.
2Loss of time
If pulsed light sterilization is used, then sterilization time is reduced, but shaded areas occur and material adaptability is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic control of pulsed light parameters (intensity, pulse width, frequency) based on the material type and properties of the object being sterilized. This dynamic adaptation allows optimization of sterilization effectiveness for different materials while maintaining short irradiation times, resolving the contradiction between time reduction and material adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent addresses shaded areas by implementing localized illumination improvements through reflective surfaces and optimized lamp positioning. This ensures uniform light distribution across all surfaces including previously shaded areas, maintaining short sterilization times while improving overall effectiveness.
3Reliability
If pulsed light generating lamp is positioned close to container, then sterilization effectiveness improves, but shaded areas increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs reflective surfaces with curved geometries to redirect and distribute pulsed light more uniformly throughout the container. This curvature-based light redirection eliminates shaded areas created by direct lamp positioning while maintaining the benefits of close proximity irradiation, resolving the contradiction between effectiveness and shaded area.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent divides the illumination system into multiple light sources and reflective elements positioned at different locations. This segmentation allows light to reach all areas of the container including previously shaded regions, maintaining sterilization effectiveness while eliminating dead zones.
4Adaptability or versatility
If multiple functions are integrated into sterilization device, then versatility improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates washing, drying, and sterilization functions into a single device that handles container sanitation comprehensively. By designing a universal system where pulsed light sterilization can be applied after washing and drying operations, the device achieves high versatility without requiring separate equipment for each function, thus managing complexity through functional integration.
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
Achieves high sterilization efficiency in a short time by optimizing pulsed light exposure and adapting to various container materials, ensuring effective sterilization and visualization of the process while minimizing eye strain.
Implementation Method 1
a pulsed light generating lamp configured to be extended from the container mounting area toward an inside of the container
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed is a device for sterilizing containers using pulsed light including a visible light band. The device includes: a housing provided with an openable door and providing an accommodation space therein; a container mounting area disposed on at least a portion of a bottom surface of the accommodation space; and a pulsed light generating lamp configured to be extended from the container mounting area toward an inside of the container, wherein a lower end of the pulsed light generating lamp is configured to be disposed lower than a lower end of the container mounted on the container mounting area.