Ultraviolet-based bathroom surface sanitization

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing bathroom cleaning technologies do not utilize ultraviolet radiation for sterilization and lack feedback control based on fluorescence analysis or reflective properties to ensure complete cleaning and verification of microorganism absence on surfaces like toilet seats.

Innovation Solution

A system incorporating fluorescent ultraviolet sources to detect and sterilize contaminants on toilet surfaces using ultraviolet radiation, combined with fluid cleaning and feedback mechanisms for effective surface sterilization.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If chemical cleaners (bleaches, detergents, antibiotics) are used to clean the bathroom, then cleaning effectiveness is improved, but environmental harm increases and resistant strains are produced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecleaning effectivenessVSAvoidenvironmental harm and resistant strains

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces chemical cleaning systems with a physical/photobiological system using ultraviolet light sources. The UV-C radiation (200-280nm wavelength) directly inactivates microorganisms through photodamage to DNA/RNA, eliminating the need for chemical bleaches, detergents, and antibiotics while maintaining cleaning effectiveness and avoiding environmental harm and resistance development.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the cleaning mechanism from chemical reactions to photobiological effects by using specific ultraviolet wavelength parameters (200-280nm UV-C range). This parameter change enables direct microbial inactivation through photochemical damage rather than chemical dissolution or disruption, achieving cleaning without harmful chemical substances.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Reliability

If chemical cleaners are applied continuously to maintain cleanliness, then hygiene level is improved, but cost and environmental impact increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvehygiene levelVSAvoidchemical consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The patent substitutes continuous chemical application with periodic ultraviolet irradiation. The UV light sources are activated during periods when the bathroom is unoccupied, providing continuous hygiene maintenance without consuming chemical substances. This eliminates ongoing costs and environmental impact associated with chemical cleaner consumption.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The system enables self-service cleaning through automated UV irradiation cycles triggered by occupancy sensors. The bathroom surfaces automatically sanitize themselves during unoccupied periods without requiring manual intervention or chemical replenishment, reducing both chemical consumption and operational costs.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

3Reliability

If mechanical cleaning devices (rotary brushes, movable bowls) are used, then cleaning capability is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecleaning capabilityVSAvoidmechanical system complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces complex mechanical cleaning devices (rotary brushes, movable bowls, pivoting mechanisms) with stationary ultraviolet light sources. The UV-C radiation provides comprehensive surface sterilization without requiring mechanical movement or complex actuation systems, dramatically simplifying the overall device architecture while maintaining or improving cleaning capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent extracts the cleaning function from mechanical components and transfers it to electromagnetic radiation (UV light). By removing the need for brushes, moving parts, and complex mechanical systems, the invention achieves cleaning capability through a fundamentally simpler photobiological mechanism.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

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 provides thorough and efficient sterilization of bathroom surfaces, including toilet seats, by using ultraviolet radiation to kill microorganisms and fluid cleaning to remove debris, with feedback mechanisms ensuring complete cleanliness.

Implementation Method 1

a sterilizing ultraviolet source configured to emit ultraviolet radiation directed at the seat to sterilize the seat

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectUltraviolet radiation sterilization: Radiation

Implementation Method 2

a fluorescent ultraviolet source configured to emit ultraviolet radiation directed at the seat to excite a fluorescent signal from a target contaminant

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectFluorescence: Fluorescence

Data Source

PatentUS10369239B2Ultraviolet-based bathroom surface sanitization

Publication Date: 2019.08.06 SENSOR ELECTRONIC TECHNOLOGY INC

AI summary

A solution for cleaning and/or sterilizing one or more surfaces in a bathroom. The sterilization can be performed using ultraviolet sources, which can emit ultraviolet radiation directed onto the surface(s). The cleaning can be performed using a fluid, such as water, that is flowed over the surface(s). The surface(s) can include at least a seat of a toilet and/or other surfaces associated with the toilet.