Self-sanitizing enclosure with UVC light source
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing solutions for sanitizing components stored in enclosures touched by multiple people often require physical cleaning and do not effectively address germ elimination within the enclosure itself, lacking touchless and efficient germ elimination technologies.
Innovation Solution
A self-sanitizing enclosure with an integrated ultraviolet-C (UVC) light emitting source that automatically sanitizes components by radiating UVC light, accompanied by a visual status indicator and automatic locking mechanism, ensuring reduced human contact and enhanced hygiene.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If physical cleaning methods are used to sanitize components in enclosures, then germ elimination can be achieved, but the process requires manual intervention and increases the risk of recontamination
Solution Approach 1:
The enclosure is equipped with a self-sanitizing system that automatically eliminates germs using UV-C light or chemical dispensing, removing the need for manual cleaning operations. The system activates automatically when the enclosure is closed, continuously maintaining sanitized conditions without human intervention.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual mechanical cleaning operations with automated UV-C light irradiation or chemical vapor dispensing systems. This substitution eliminates the need for physical contact and manual labor while achieving more effective and consistent germ elimination.
2Reliability
If traditional sanitization methods are used, then components can be cleaned, but the process is time-consuming and reduces productivity
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs sanitization automatically as soon as the enclosure is closed, before components are accessed. This preliminary action ensures components are pre-sanitized and ready for use, eliminating the need for separate cleaning steps and reducing overall time requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The self-sanitizing system operates continuously whenever the enclosure is closed, maintaining constant germ elimination activity. This continuous operation ensures components remain sanitized throughout storage periods without requiring periodic manual intervention.
3Reliability
If manual cleaning operations are performed, then germs can be eliminated, but human contact increases the risk of recontamination
Solution Approach 1:
The enclosure autonomously performs sanitization using UV-C light or chemical dispensing systems, completely eliminating human contact during the cleaning process. This self-service approach prevents operators from introducing new contaminants while maintaining effective germ elimination.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces UV-C light or chemical vapor as an intermediary sanitizing agent that eliminates germs without requiring human contact. This intermediary mechanism achieves thorough disinfection while preventing recontamination that would occur with manual handling.
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 UVC light effectively sterilizes components within the enclosure, reducing the risk of germ transmission and providing a touchless, efficient sanitization process that confirms completion status, enhancing the cleanliness and safety of stored items.
Implementation Method 1
an ultraviolet C (UVC) light emitting source configured to emit UVC light for sanitizing the internal compartment housing
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed is a self-sanitizing enclosure for installation onto a table-top. The self-sanitizing enclosure includes a UVC light source, where the UVC radiation emitted from the UVC light source is configured to sterilize components that are stored within the self-sanitizing enclosure.