UV-C Disinfection Device With Pivotable Arms For Vehicle Surfaces
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Solution Overview
Problem
There is a need for efficient, high-quality, and reliable methods to sanitize and disinfect surfaces of objects, particularly in vehicles, to reduce the risk of pathogen transmission and minimize wear and tear on these surfaces.
Innovation Solution
A device equipped with pivotable and rotatable arms that house UV lamps, allowing for targeted sanitation and disinfection of surfaces by emitting UV light in various directions, thereby reducing physical contact and wear on the surfaces.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional cleaning methods (chemical cleaners, towels, rags) are used to sanitize vehicle surfaces, then pathogen removal is achieved, but surface wear and tear increases and cleaning time is consumed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical cleaning systems (towels, rags, physical scrubbing) with a UV-C light-based photodisinfection system. The UV lamps emit ultraviolet radiation that directly eliminates pathogens on vehicle surfaces without physical contact, thereby removing the harmful mechanical abrasion and chemical residue associated with traditional cleaning methods while maintaining effective pathogen removal.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the fundamental parameter of the cleaning process from mechanical/chemical action to electromagnetic radiation action. By using UV-C light with specific wavelengths (200-280 nm), the system achieves pathogen elimination through photodisinfection, a different physical mechanism that avoids the wear and chemical degradation caused by conventional cleaning approaches.
2Reliability
If manual cleaning of vehicle surfaces is performed frequently, then pathogen transmission is reduced, but time consumption and labor requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a self-service sanitization system that can be easily installed and operated by vehicle occupants without requiring professional cleaning services. The UV-C lighting system is integrated into the vehicle interior, allowing passengers to activate sanitization cycles independently, thereby eliminating the need for time-consuming manual cleaning while maintaining continuous pathogen prevention.
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables continuous or frequent sanitization cycles without the time penalty of manual cleaning. The UV-C lamps can operate multiple times per day, providing continuous pathogen elimination action that maintains hygiene levels without requiring the significant time investment needed for traditional manual cleaning procedures.
3Reliability
If UV lamps are positioned to emit light in multiple directions for comprehensive sanitation, then coverage effectiveness is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the sanitation system into multiple independent UV-C lamp modules positioned at different locations within the vehicle interior. Each lamp unit is simplified and dedicated to illuminating a specific zone (e.g., front seats, rear seats, dashboard), allowing comprehensive coverage through modular repetition rather than complex centralized positioning mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent addresses comprehensive coverage by distributing UV-C lamps across three-dimensional space at multiple heights and positions rather than using complex mechanical positioning mechanisms. The lamps are strategically placed at different vertical levels and horizontal positions to illuminate various vehicle surfaces, achieving omnidirectional coverage through spatial distribution 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 device facilitates a touchless sanitization process, effectively reducing microbial contamination on vehicle surfaces while minimizing damage to these surfaces over time.
Implementation Method 1
A device equipped with pivotable and rotatable arms that house UV lamps, allowing for targeted sanitation and disinfection of surfaces by emitting UV light in various directions
Data Source
AI summary
A device may include a first arm and a second arm that are connected via one or more pivot points, one or more lamps that are disposed on the first arm and the second arm, and one or more support arms that enable the device to be positioned with respect to an object that is to be sanitized or disinfected. The one or more lamps emit light, such as UV light or UV-C light, that sanitizes or disinfects the object. The device may include a power source that provides electrical power to the one or more lamps and one or more handles that enable an operator of the device to transport the device and position the device with respect to the object. The device may also include an adjuster mechanism that enables the operator to adjust a distance between the device and the object.