Sanitizing Device Movable Tray Radiation Barrier
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional sanitizing devices for portable electronic devices, such as those using ultraviolet bulbs, are not suitable for sanitizing larger numbers of articles efficiently due to excessive wear on the bulbs during sanitation cycles.
Innovation Solution
A sanitizing device with a shell defining two chamber portions, a movable tray, and a controller that positions the tray between access and sanitizing positions, using electromagnetic radiation emitters to sanitize articles while minimizing radiation leakage and reducing wear on the emitters by maintaining them at a lower power level when not in use.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional sanitizing devices use ultraviolet bulbs to sanitize articles, then sanitizing function is achieved, but the bulbs experience excessive wear during sanitation cycles
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a movable tray that dynamically transitions between access position and sanitizing position. The tray includes a radiation barrier that moves with it, creating a dynamic containment system. This allows the emitter to remain in a fixed, protected position while the tray moves into place for sanitizing, reducing unnecessary radiation exposure and emitter wear during non-sanitizing periods.
Solution Approach 2:
The sanitizing process operates in periodic cycles where the tray is moved to the sanitizing position only when needed, rather than continuous operation. The controller manages periodic sanitizing cycles, allowing the emitter to remain inactive or at low power during intervals between sanitizing operations, thereby extending emitter lifespan while maintaining sanitizing productivity.
2Productivity
If the emitter operates continuously at high power to sanitize multiple articles, then sanitizing efficiency is improved, but emitter wear increases excessively
Solution Approach 1:
The radiation barrier dynamically positioned with the movable tray creates a contained environment only when the tray is in the sanitizing position. This allows concentrated, high-power radiation to be applied efficiently to articles during sanitizing cycles while preventing radiation leakage during access periods, maximizing both efficiency and emitter durability.
Solution Approach 2:
The radiation barrier acts as an intermediary element that mediates between the emitter and the environment. It allows the emitter to operate at high power during sanitizing cycles by containing the radiation, while blocking radiation during non-operational periods. This intermediary protects the emitter from unnecessary wear while maintaining sanitizing efficiency.
3Ease of operation
If the tray is positioned in the access position with the emitter active, then article access is enabled, but radiation leaks through the opening
Solution Approach 1:
The radiation barrier is dynamically coupled to the movable tray, moving together between access and sanitizing positions. When the tray is in the access position for article placement or removal, the radiation barrier moves with it to block the opening, preventing radiation leakage while maintaining ease of article access. This dynamic coordination solves both requirements simultaneously.
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 device effectively sanitizes articles with reduced wear on the emitters, allowing for continuous operation and extended lifespan, while preventing radiation leakage and efficiently handling multiple articles in a given time period.
Implementation Method 1
an emitter of sanitizing electromagnetic radiation mounted in the second portion of the chamber
Data Source
AI summary
A sanitizer includes a shell defining first and second chamber portions, and having an opening into the first portion. A cover has a closed position over the opening for preventing access to the chamber, and an open position for permitting access to the chamber. A tray is moveable between an access position in the first portion, for placement and retrieval of an article within the tray, and a sanitizing position in the second portion, for exposing the article to sanitizing electromagnetic radiation from an emitter mounted in the second portion. A controller controls an actuator coupled to the tray to move the tray to the sanitizing position when the cover is closed, and to return the tray to the access position when a return condition is satisfied. A radiation barrier is configured to substantially prevent radiation from reaching the opening when the tray is in the access position.