Vehicle Seatback UV Sterilization Alignment for Steering Wheels
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing UV LED systems mounted on vehicle seats or headlinings struggle to effectively sterilize steering wheels due to distance and angle limitations, resulting in reduced UV light intensity and inadequate sterilization.
Innovation Solution
A system that adjusts the distance and pivoting angle of the seatback to align the UV LED module with the steering wheel's central portion, using sensors to detect the steering wheel's tilt angle and control the seat movement, ensuring optimal UV light intensity for effective sterilization.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If UV LED is mounted on headrest in a fixed position, then device complexity is reduced, but UV light intensity at steering wheel becomes insufficient due to excessive distance
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by making the seatback pivoting angle adjustable rather than fixed. The control unit dynamically adjusts the seatback angle to optimize the distance and alignment between the UV LED on the headrest and the steering wheel, ensuring sufficient UV light intensity reaches the steering wheel while maintaining a relatively simple mounting structure.
2Length of stationary object
If UV LED is mounted on head lining, then distance to steering wheel is reduced, but irradiation angle becomes too steep causing significant intensity reduction
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses the dynamics principle by dynamically adjusting the seatback pivoting angle to optimize the irradiation angle. Instead of mounting the UV LED on the head lining where the angle is fixed and too steep, the system adjusts the seatback angle to achieve an optimal irradiation angle that maintains sufficient UV light intensity at the steering wheel.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies parameter changes by adjusting the seatback pivoting angle parameter to optimize the geometric relationship between the UV LED and the steering wheel. This angular parameter adjustment ensures that the UV light reaches the steering wheel at an optimal angle, preventing significant intensity reduction.
3Ease of operation
If steering wheel tilt angle varies, then driver comfort is improved, but alignment between UV LED and steering wheel center becomes misaligned reducing sterilization effectiveness
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the feedback principle by using a steering column angle sensor to detect the steering wheel's vertical tilt angle. This detected angle is fed back to the control unit, which then adjusts the seatback pivoting angle accordingly to maintain proper alignment between the UV LED and the steering wheel center, ensuring sterilization effectiveness regardless of driver position adjustments.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs self-adjustment by automatically modifying the seatback angle based on the detected steering wheel position. The control unit autonomously adjusts the alignment without requiring manual intervention, maintaining optimal UV LED-to-steering-wheel alignment while allowing the driver to adjust the steering wheel for comfort.
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
Enhances the sterilization effect on the steering wheel by maintaining UV light intensity and ensuring complete coverage, thereby reducing bacterial transmission and virus infection risks.
Implementation Method 1
mounting an ultraviolet light-emitting diode (UV LED) on a headrest of a seat or a head lining and sterilizing a steering wheel with UV light irradiated from the UV LED
Data Source
AI summary
A system for sterilizing an interior of a vehicle includes: a sterilizer disposed on a driver's seat of the vehicle and configured to sterilize the interior of the vehicle; a driver detection sensor configured to detect a presence of a driver inside the vehicle; a seat movement adjustment mechanism configured to move the seat; and a controller configured to, in response to receiving a non-detection signal from the driver detection sensor, send driving signals to the seat movement adjustment mechanism and then apply a sterilizer operation signal for operating the sterilizer for a certain period of time upon movement of the driver's seat.