Removable UV-C Light Module for Sanitizing Container Interiors
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing insulated containers with integrated lighting systems are costly to repair and maintain, and there is a need for devices that can effectively deactivate viruses and bacteria, particularly in light of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Innovation Solution
A container apparatus with a removable ultraviolet light emitting device that is not electrically connected to the container, allowing easy installation and removal, and capable of emitting UV-C light to deactivate pathogens.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If lights are electrically wired to the container itself, then the lighting system is integrated and reliable, but the device becomes expensive and difficult to repair
Solution Approach 1:
The lighting system is segmented into a separate removable unit that interfaces with the container through a coupling mechanism, rather than being permanently wired. This allows the light unit to be independently replaced without affecting the container structure, significantly easing repair and maintenance while maintaining operational reliability.
2Reliability
If lights are electrically wired to the container, then the lighting function is stable, but batteries become difficult to replace
Solution Approach 1:
The battery compartment is integrated into the removable light unit, allowing users to access and replace batteries by simply detaching the light unit from the container. This maintains stable lighting function while making battery replacement as easy as removing and replacing a single component.
3Ease of repair
If a removable light emitting device is used, then ease of repair and battery replacement is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The light emitting device and battery compartment are extracted as a separate removable unit from the container. This extraction simplifies repair and battery replacement operations while introducing only minimal coupling mechanisms (such as magnetic attachments or snap-fit connections) that add little complexity to the overall 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
The solution provides a cost-effective and user-friendly method to illuminate and sanitize the interior of containers, effectively deactivating viruses and bacteria, including COVID-19, without the need for complex electrical connections.
Implementation Method 1
the means for deactivating viruses, bacteria, and other pathogens within the enclosure comprises an ultraviolet light emitting device
Implementation Method 2
the light emitting device emits short wave (UV-C) ultraviolet light
Data Source
AI summary
A container apparatus includes an enclosure and a light assembly. The enclosure defines an interior area for storing items therein, and has an interior surface facing the interior area and at least one substantially concave recess formed in the interior surface forming a recessed portion of the interior surface. The substantially concave recess can be sized and shaped to receive and releasably retain the light assembly therein. The light assembly comprises a light emitting device and can be substantially flush with a non-recessed portion of the interior surface when positioned in the substantially concave recess. The light emitting device emits ultraviolet light having a wavelength of 100 to 280 nanometers.