Self-Sanitizing Stylus With UV-C LED Disinfection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional methods for sanitizing styluses, which are prone to contamination and difficult to decontaminate due to their size and delicate structure, often require chemicals that can damage devices and are not easily portable or safe for public use.

Innovation Solution

A self-sanitizing stylus equipped with an ultraviolet radiation emitting device powered by a battery, which emits UV radiation to disinfect the stylus tip when activated, along with haptic, audio, and visual feedback to ensure safe use.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If chemicals are used to sanitize the stylus, then disinfection is achieved, but the stylus may be damaged and chemicals are not portable

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedisinfection effectivenessVSAvoidchemical damage to stylus

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces chemical sanitization with ultraviolet (UV) light irradiation. The UV-C LED emits radiation at a wavelength of 254 nanometers that destroys the DNA and RNA of microorganisms, achieving disinfection without chemical contact. This substitution eliminates the risk of chemical damage to the stylus while maintaining effective pathogen elimination.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the sanitization method from chemical to physical (UV radiation). By using UV-C light with a specific wavelength of 254 nanometers, the system achieves microbial inactivation through DNA/RNA damage rather than chemical reaction. This parameter change allows portable, contactless disinfection that does not damage the stylus surface or internal components.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Reliability

If chemicals are used to sanitize the stylus, then disinfection is achieved, but portability is reduced due to carrying chemical containers

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedisinfection effectivenessVSAvoidportability

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the need to carry chemical containers with a self-contained UV-C LED device integrated into the stylus. The battery-powered UV light source provides portable, on-demand disinfection without requiring external chemical supplies, making the system highly portable and convenient for travel and public use.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The stylus becomes self-sanitizing by integrating the UV-C LED and battery directly into its structure. The user can activate the disinfection function whenever needed without requiring separate chemical containers or external sanitization equipment. The stylus serves its own sanitation needs, eliminating the need to carry additional disinfection supplies.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

3Reliability

If the stylus is sanitized frequently, then hygiene is improved, but the delicate structure may be damaged by repeated chemical exposure

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvehygiene maintenanceVSAvoidstylus structural integrity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces chemical sanitization with UV light irradiation, allowing frequent disinfection without exposing the stylus to damaging chemicals. The UV-C radiation effectively kills microorganisms on contact without affecting the stylus materials, enabling regular hygiene maintenance while preserving the delicate structure and coating of the stylus.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes from chemical-based to radiation-based disinfection. UV-C light at 254 nanometers provides effective microbial inactivation without the corrosive or damaging effects of chemicals. This allows the stylus to be sanitized frequently—after each use or before public use—without compromising structural integrity or surface coating.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

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 disinfects the stylus tip without damaging it, allowing safe storage and reducing germ transfer, while being safe for use on public devices without chemical risks.

Implementation Method 1

at least one ultraviolet radiation emitting device disposed on the body of the longitudinal member... the at least one ultraviolet radiation emitting device emits ultraviolet radiation, which is incident on at least a portion of the body of the longitudinal member thereby disinfecting the portion of the body

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectUltraviolet radiation: Radiation

Data Source

PatentUS11904061B2Self-sanitizing stylus

Publication Date: 2024.02.20 PERRY SHANNON M

AI summary

A self-sanitizing stylus for use in combination with a touch screen device and method of using the same is disclosed. The self-sanitizing stylus comprises a body including a component retaining enclosure and longitudinal member. The longitudinal member has a body defined between a distal end with a touch tip disposed thereon, and a proximal end secured with an operative end of the component retaining enclosure. At least one ultraviolet radiation emitting device is disposed on the body. The component retaining enclosure includes a power source and switch connected between the power source, and the ultraviolet radiation emitting device, which when pressed establishes an electrical connection between the power source and the ultraviolet radiation emitting device, which emits UV radiation to disinfect the body or portion thereof.