UV-C Sanitizer for Headsets Using Suspended Pegs
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for sanitizing audio headsets between uses are time-consuming, manually intensive, and potentially damaging to the equipment due to the use of liquid disinfectants, and do not thoroughly disinfect all components such as cushions, earphones, and cables.
Innovation Solution
A UV-C light sanitizing apparatus that suspends headsets within a cabinet, using a central peg and side pegs to ensure interior earphone portions are illuminated, with adjustable peg positions for various headset sizes, along with timer circuitry and sensors for automated sanitization and UV-C light replacement indication.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If wet cleaning methods are used to sanitize headsets, then bacterial and viral infectants are killed, but liquid disinfectant can enter openings in the earphone portions and damage circuitry
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical wet cleaning system with a UV-C light-based sanitization system. The UV-C light source emits ultraviolet radiation that kills bacteria and viruses without requiring liquid contact, thereby eliminating the risk of liquid damage to electronic circuitry while maintaining sanitization effectiveness
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces UV-C light as an intermediary sanitization medium between the user and the headset. Instead of direct liquid contact, the UV-C light acts as a non-contact mediator that transfers sanitization energy to the headset surfaces, preventing liquid infiltration while achieving disinfection
2Reliability
If wet cleaning methods are used to sanitize headsets, then infectants are killed, but the process is time consuming and manually intensive
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a self-service sanitization system where the UV-C light automatically sanitizes the headset when placed in the cabinet. The system includes automatic detection of headset presence and timer-based operation, eliminating the need for manual intervention and significantly reducing the time and labor required compared to manual wet cleaning
Solution Approach 2:
The manual mechanical cleaning process is replaced with an automated UV-C light system that operates independently. The system automatically activates the UV-C light source, monitors the sanitization process, and manages the entire workflow without human intervention, thereby reducing time loss and manual effort
3Device complexity
If a single UV-C light source is used, then the structure is simple, but the earphone portions may not be thoroughly illuminated
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the single UV-C light source into multiple separate light sources positioned at different locations within the cabinet. This segmentation allows each light source to target specific areas (including earphone portions that were previously difficult to reach), ensuring thorough illumination and disinfection of all headset surfaces while maintaining reasonable structural 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 apparatus provides efficient, less labor-intensive sanitization of headsets and eyeglasses, ensuring thorough disinfection of all contact surfaces while minimizing damage, and can be used in various settings including audiometric testing and entertainment.
Implementation Method 1
A UV-C light source is disposed within the interior space of the cabinet for generating UV-C light
Data Source
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AI summary
A sanitizing apparatus (10) sanitizes headsets or eyeglasses between uses by patients. The apparatus (10) includes a UV-C lamp (16) that generates UV-C light at a proper frequency and intensity during a time period of sufficient duration to kill bacterial and viral infectants on surfaces of the headsets or eyeglass frames that may come in contact with a patient's skin. The apparatus (10) may also be used for sanitizing bone vibrators, otoacoustic emissions testing equipment, headsets used in impedance testing, insert earphones, and response buttons that are commonly used in audiometric testing. The apparatus (10) can also be used in communication situations in which headsets are utilized with microphones, such as in call centers.