Smartphone Antimicrobial UVC LED Flashlight
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional methods for disinfecting high-touch surfaces are labor-intensive and may expose individuals to harmful radiation, as chemical disinfectants require frequent application and radiation from certain light sources can be hazardous.
Innovation Solution
Integration of an antimicrobial light source with a predetermined wavelength, such as UVC, into personal devices like smartphones, which can be invoked via a utility light feature or app for portable and safe surface disinfection, using LEDs that emit light in the 222 nm range with minimal harmful side effects.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If chemical disinfectants are used to disinfect high-touch surfaces, then disinfection effectiveness is improved, but labor intensity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical cleaning processes with an automated light-based disinfection system. The smartphone-integrated UV LED emits antimicrobial light that automatically disinfects surfaces when the flashlight function is activated, eliminating the need for manual application of chemical disinfectants and significantly reducing labor intensity while maintaining disinfection effectiveness.
Solution Approach 2:
The disinfection system enables surfaces to be disinfected on-demand by the user themselves using their existing smartphone. The device leverages the smartphone's existing battery, processor, and display to provide autonomous disinfection capability without requiring external equipment or professional cleaning services, making the process self-service and highly accessible.
2Reliability
If conventional UV light sources are used for disinfection, then pathogen elimination is improved, but human safety deteriorates due to harmful radiation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the wavelength parameter of the UV light from conventional UV-C (200-280 nm) to UV-A (315-400 nm) range, specifically using 385 nm LEDs. This parameter change maintains the antimicrobial effectiveness while significantly reducing the harmful radiation effects on human skin and eyes, allowing safe use in presence of occupants.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent converts the potentially harmful UV radiation into a beneficial disinfection tool by using UV-A wavelength that has sufficient antimicrobial activity but minimal harmful effects on humans. This transforms what could be a dangerous radiation source into a safe public health intervention that can be used in occupied spaces.
3Reliability
If dedicated disinfection devices are deployed, then disinfection capability is improved, but device accessibility deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the smartphone serve multiple functions: it acts as both a conventional flashlight for illumination and a disinfection device for pathogen elimination. By integrating the UV LED into the existing flashlight functionality, the device achieves multi-functionality, allowing users to access disinfection capability through a universally owned device without requiring separate dedicated equipment.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the disinfection function with the existing smartphone flashlight feature. The UV LED is integrated into the same housing and control system as the conventional LED, combining two functions (illumination and disinfection) into a single unified device that leverages the smartphone's existing power, control, and interface infrastructure.
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
Provides efficient and safe surface disinfection with minimal radiation exposure, leveraging the widespread availability of personal devices for everyday use, effectively reducing pathogen transmission risks on commonly touched surfaces.
Implementation Method 1
The light source is provided by a UVC (Ultraviolet C) LED, such as those available from Ushio, Everlight, and Kingbright
Implementation Method 2
Radiation from certain light sources can also be effective, however the radiation may also be harmful to humans
Implementation Method 3
Antimicrobial light, such as those in the so-called UVC range (about 222 nm wavelength) have been shown to effectively decontaminate irradiated surfaces against COVID-19 and other harmful depositions on the surfaces
Data Source
AI summary
An integrated light device for invocation from a smartphone includes an antimicrobial light wavelength emanating from a utility light portal of the smartphone. Antimicrobial light, such as those in the so-called UVC range (about 222 nm wavelength) have been shown to effectively decontaminate irradiated surfaces against COVID-19 and other harmful depositions on the surfaces, with minimal harmful radiation to humans. Replacing or controlling a smartphone utility light, such as the LED responsive to a “flashlight” function, allows the personal device to be invoked to quickly irradiate surfaces prior to use, such as sitting, eating, opening doors, and the like.