Sensor-Controlled UV Germicidal Surfaces for Safe Continuous Disinfection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for disinfecting computer and equipment surfaces in healthcare settings are time-consuming, labor-intensive, and may not effectively reduce the transmission of nosocomial infections, as they require manual application and have limitations in killing bacteria quickly enough to prevent pathogen transfer.
Innovation Solution
A germicidal system using low-intensity ultraviolet (UV) light that is intelligently controlled by sensors to automatically disinfect surfaces, turning on when contact is detected and turning off when a user is present, with network connectivity for centralized control and data collection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If manual disinfection with wipes is used, then surfaces can be disinfected, but it is time-consuming and labor-intensive
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical wiping with an automated UV-C lighting system that disinfects surfaces through electromagnetic radiation. The system uses sensors to detect presence and automatically activates UV-C lights to kill bacteria and viruses on surfaces like computer keyboards and touchscreens, eliminating the need for manual wiping while maintaining disinfection effectiveness.
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables surfaces to disinfect themselves automatically through integrated UV-C lighting units that are triggered by motion sensors or presence detection. When a user approaches or leaves, the system autonomously activates or deactivates the disinfection process without requiring manual intervention, making the disinfection process self-service oriented.
2Reliability
If chemical disinfectants are used, then bacteria can be killed, but super resistant strains are being created
Solution Approach 1:
The patent substitutes chemical disinfectants with physical UV-C radiation to achieve bacterial elimination. UV-C light at wavelengths around 254nm directly damages bacterial DNA and RNA, preventing replication and killing pathogens without leaving chemical residues that contribute to resistance development.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the disinfection parameter from chemical concentration to electromagnetic radiation intensity and exposure time. By controlling UV-C light intensity and duration based on sensor input, the system achieves effective bacterial killing while avoiding the chemical resistance issue entirely.
3Reliability
If UV germicidal light source is continuously on, then surfaces are continuously disinfected, but exposure risks to humans increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements periodic disinfection cycles triggered by motion sensors or presence detection. UV-C lights remain off during user presence and activate only when no one is detected in the vicinity, creating periodic disinfection intervals that maintain surface hygiene while protecting human safety.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses motion sensors and presence detection as feedback mechanisms to control UV-C light activation. When sensors detect human presence, the system feedbacks to keep lights off; when no presence is detected, the system activates disinfection, creating a closed-loop control that balances continuous disinfection needs with human safety.
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 system effectively reduces bacterial transfer by ensuring continuous disinfection of surfaces, even when not in use, while minimizing exposure risks to UV light and providing efficient data management for maintenance and monitoring.
Implementation Method 1
a germicidal light source, such as a low intensity ultraviolet (UV) light
Implementation Method 2
effectively reduces bacterial transfer by ensuring continuous disinfection of surfaces
Data Source
Figure 1A~1C
Figure 2A~2C
Figure 3A
AI summary
A germicidal system for use in disinfecting one or more contact surfaces includes one or more germicidal devices each comprising a germicidal light source. The one or more germicidal devices may be connected to a network, which allows for controlling the operational parameters of the one or more germicidal devices and/or collecting information from the one or more germicidal devices.