Self-Sanitizing Structure with Scattered Irradiance for Surface Disinfection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for sanitizing commonly touched surfaces are labor-intensive, susceptible to human error, require surface disruption, and can damage environmental surfaces, while ensuring uniform irradiance for effective disinfection is challenging.
Innovation Solution
A self-sanitizing structure that integrates electromagnetic radiation sources within its body region, scattering elements, and a matrix material to maintain sanitizing irradiance levels above a minimum threshold, allowing continuous disinfection without surface disruption.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional sanitizing methods are used, then disinfection can be achieved, but labor intensity increases and human error susceptibility increases
Solution Approach 1:
The structure performs self-sanitizing through integrated electromagnetic radiation sources that automatically generate and direct sanitizing radiation through the body region to the contact surface, eliminating the need for external manual sanitizing operations
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual mechanical sanitizing actions with an automated electromagnetic radiation-based system that uses energy sources to generate and direct radiation, substituting human labor with an automated physical field-based mechanism
2Reliability
If traditional sanitizing methods are used, then disinfection can be achieved, but surface disruption occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces contact-based mechanical cleaning methods with non-contact electromagnetic radiation, allowing disinfection without physical disruption to the surface structure
Solution Approach 2:
The electromagnetic radiation operates through energy field interactions rather than physical contact, enabling disinfection through a non-invasive energy-based mechanism that preserves surface integrity
3Reliability
If traditional sanitizing methods are used, then disinfection can be achieved, but surface damage occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces harsh mechanical or chemical sanitizing agents with controlled electromagnetic radiation, reducing harmful effects on the surface while maintaining disinfection effectiveness
Solution Approach 2:
The system controls radiation parameters including wavelength, intensity, and duration to optimize disinfection effectiveness while staying within safe thresholds that prevent surface damage
4Reliability
If uniform irradiance is ensured for effective disinfection, then disinfection effectiveness improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates scattering elements with specific size distributions and refractive index contrasts to locally modify radiation distribution, creating uniform irradiance patterns through distributed local effects rather than complex centralized control
Solution Approach 2:
The body region uses composite structures combining matrix material with scattering elements of different refractive indices and size distributions to achieve uniform radiation transmission through material composition rather than mechanical 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
The structure effectively neutralizes infectious agents on surfaces by maintaining uniform irradiance levels, reducing human error, and preserving surface integrity, enabling continuous disinfection without interrupting surface function.
Implementation Method 1
an energy source configured to generate electromagnetic radiation and direct the electromagnetic radiation through the body region to the contact surface
Implementation Method 2
The body region is configured to scatter the electromagnetic radiation and pass the scattered electromagnetic radiation to the contact surface in a manner that maintains the scattered electromagnetic radiation that reaches the contact surface as sanitizing electromagnetic radiation
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments of the invention are directed to a method of forming a self-sanitizing structure. The method includes forming a body region that includes scattering elements in a host composite material. The body region further includes a contact surface that can be contacted by a person during an intended use of the self-sanitizing structure. The method further includes forming an energy source configured to generate electromagnetic radiation and direct the electromagnetic radiation through the body region to the contact surface. Forming the body region further includes configuring the body region to scatter the electromagnetic radiation and pass the scattered electromagnetic radiation through the body region to the contact surface in a manner that maintains the scattered electromagnetic radiation that reaches the contact surface as sanitizing electromagnetic radiation. The sanitizing electromagnetic radiation is electromagnetic radiation that is at or above a minimum irradiance level that neutralizes infectious agents.