Rotating UV Sterilizer Housing for Safe Vehicle Cabin Coverage
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle sterilization systems face challenges in effectively irradiating ultraviolet rays to interior vehicle surfaces without exposing humans to direct UV radiation, which can cause adverse effects, and require a design that integrates seamlessly with the vehicle's interior trim for safety and aesthetics.
Innovation Solution
A sterilization system comprising an outer and inner housing with a light source and a driving unit that rotates to direct UV light to interior surfaces while avoiding human exposure, storing flat on the trim when not in use, utilizing a dual-gear mechanism and guide slits/protrusions for precise control and alignment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If ultraviolet rays are irradiated directly to bacteria in the vehicle, then sterilization effectiveness is improved, but human safety deteriorates due to skin cancer risk
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a rotatable housing structure that allows the UV light source to dynamically change its irradiation direction. The housing can rotate to point toward different interior surfaces (seats, dashboard, floor) while avoiding direct irradiation toward the passenger area, enabling the system to adapt its orientation based on operational needs and safety considerations
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a spatial dimension solution by using a three-dimensional rotatable housing structure. Instead of fixed UV irradiation, the system adds rotational freedom to direct UV rays along different spatial paths, allowing sterilization of multiple surfaces while maintaining safety distances and avoiding direct human exposure through geometric positioning
2Shape
If the sterilization system is integrated into the interior trim, then design integration is improved, but collision safety deteriorates if the trim has protrusions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a rotatable housing structure that can dynamically adjust its position and orientation. When not in use, the housing rotates to align with the interior trim surface, creating a flush appearance. During operation, it rotates to expose the UV light source for sterilization, thus achieving both aesthetic integration and functional effectiveness without permanent protrusions
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements periodic rotation of the housing structure. The housing alternates between a retracted position (flush with trim for aesthetic and safety purposes) and an extended position (for UV irradiation). This periodic movement allows the system to maintain design integration during non-operational periods while enabling sterilization function when needed
3Productivity
If the housing is rotated to irradiate multiple points, then sterilization coverage is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple functions into a single rotatable housing structure. The housing simultaneously provides mechanical protection for the UV light source, structural support for mounting, and the rotational mechanism for directional control. By merging these functions into one integrated component rather than separate parts, the system achieves multi-point sterilization capability without proportionally increasing overall device complexity
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
Effectively sterilizes multiple points within the vehicle while preventing human exposure to UV radiation, maintaining a flush design and ensuring safety and convenience by only activating when needed.
Implementation Method 1
a light source embedded in the inner housing and irradiating the sterilizing light toward the light transmitting portion
Data Source
AI summary
A sterilization system for a vehicle includes an outer housing configured to rotate about a first shaft and having an opening formed to face an interior space, an inner housing installed inside the outer housing, exposed to the interior space through the opening, configured to rotate about a second shaft, and having a light transmitting portion through which sterilizing light is transmitted, a light source embedded in the inner housing and configured to irradiate the sterilizing light toward the light transmitting portion, and a driver configured to rotate the outer housing and the inner housing to irradiate the sterilizing light to the interior space and to change an irradiation angle of the sterilizing light.