Retractable UVC Sterilizing Module for Reusable Container Handling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing devices for disinfecting reusable containers in retail stores are not user-friendly, require cumbersome maintenance, and do not meet hygiene regulations, leading to inefficient and unreliable disinfection processes.
Innovation Solution
A device with a retractable functional module containing UVC disinfectors, a transfer tunnel, and a quartz glass tray, allowing for efficient disinfection of reusable containers while being easily maintained and integrated into retail environments.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a fixed functional module is used in the housing, then the disinfection function is provided, but cleaning, maintenance, and replacement of wear parts become cumbersome
Solution Approach 1:
The device is divided into a housing and a separate functional module that can be easily removed and reinserted. The functional module contains the transfer tunnel with transport device and UVC disinfectors, while the housing provides structural support and containment. This segmentation allows the functional module to be independently cleaned, maintained, and serviced without removing the entire device from the housing.
2Ease of repair
If a retractable functional module is used, then ease of maintenance is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The functional module is designed to be movable between a retracted position (stored within the housing) and an extended position (protruding from the housing for access). This dynamic configuration allows the module to be easily removed for maintenance while maintaining a compact form factor when in use, balancing ease of maintenance with operational simplicity.
3Reliability
If conventional UV-C bulbs are used, then disinfection is achieved, but energy efficiency and durability are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent specifies that the UVC disinfector uses an LED lamp instead of conventional UV-C bulbs. This parameter change in the light source technology provides improved energy efficiency and extended service life while maintaining the necessary UV-C radiation output for effective disinfection of reusable containers.
4Reliability
If the UVC disinfector is switched on continuously, then disinfection is maintained, but energy consumption and heat generation increase
Solution Approach 1:
The UVC disinfector is designed to operate periodically rather than continuously. It activates when reusable containers are placed in the transfer tunnel for disinfection and deactivates when the tunnel is empty, reducing energy consumption and heat generation while maintaining effective disinfection during operational periods.
Solution Approach 2:
The system includes sensors that detect the presence of reusable containers in the transfer tunnel and automatically control the UVC disinfector's operation accordingly. When containers are detected, the disinfector activates; when the tunnel is empty, it deactivates. This feedback mechanism optimizes energy usage while ensuring continuous disinfection capability when needed.
5Device complexity
If no temperature control is implemented, then the device is simpler, but the UVC disinfector may overheat and reduce efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
A temperature sensor is integrated into the functional module to monitor the temperature of the UVC disinfector. When the temperature reaches a predetermined threshold, the sensor triggers the cross-flow fan to activate, creating a feedback control system that prevents overheating while maintaining operational efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent describes a cross-flow fan that copies the cooling function of natural convection but enhances it actively. The fan creates forced air flow across the UVC disinfector, effectively replicating and amplifying the cooling effect to maintain optimal operating temperatures without requiring complex active cooling systems.
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
Facilitates fast, reliable, and user-friendly disinfection of reusable containers, reducing the need for single-use plastics and enhancing customer experience with integrated product information and advertising.
Implementation Method 1
The UVC disinfector emits a special UVC light (i.e., ultraviolet light). Reusable containers that are irradiated with UVC light by the UVC disinfector are disinfected, resulting in the killing of bacteria/germs or the like.
Implementation Method 2
Furthermore, the UVC disinfector features a cross-flow fan. This fan cools the LED UVC lamp, ensuring it remains efficient and doesn't overheat.
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a device (V) for disinfecting reusable containers, comprising a housing (1), one or more UVC disinfectors, and a transport device (4), wherein the housing (1) has a first opening (5) and a second opening (6), wherein the UVC disinfector is a UV-C light source, the UV-C light source being an LED lamp, and wherein a first flap (8) and a second flap (9) are arranged, wherein the first flap (8) and/or the first opening (5) includes a first sensor, and the second flap (9) and/or the second opening (6) includes a second sensor, wherein the two sensors are a safety device, and the UVC disinfector can only be operated when the flaps (8, 9) are closed, wherein the reusable containers are movable on the transport device (4) towards the first flap (8) or towards the second flap (9), and wherein the transport device (4), the two flaps (8,9),the UVC disinfectors and the first and second sensors are arranged in a functional module (2), wherein the functional module (2) is extendable from the housing (1).