Hygienic Interface for Electronic Devices Using UV-C LED Keypads
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Solution Overview
Problem
UVC lamps used for disinfection in public electronic devices pose health and safety risks due to varying wavelengths, doses, and exposure durations, and existing input devices lack effective hygienic maintenance solutions.
Innovation Solution
A hygienic interface for electronic devices featuring a keypad or mouse with UV-C light-emitting diodes integrated into the keys, where the diode-emitting body is transparent to UV-C light, ensuring maximum radiation concentration and user shielding through opaque barriers, minimizing exposure risks.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If UVC lamps are used for disinfection in public electronic devices, then hygienic effectiveness is improved, but health and safety risks increase due to varying wavelengths, doses, and exposure durations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the parameters of UV radiation delivery by using LED-based UVC sources with specific wavelengths (200-280nm, preferably 265nm) and controlling exposure duration (5-30 seconds). The transparent key bodies with integrated LEDs ensure consistent radiation dosage while the controlled activation timing prevents overexposure, resolving the contradiction between effective disinfection and safety
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces transparent key bodies as intermediaries that allow UVC radiation to pass through effectively while providing a safe interface for user interaction. The transparency to UV-C wavelengths ensures maximum radiation concentration for disinfection, while the physical barrier protects users from direct exposure to the LED source
2Ease of operation
If existing input devices are used in public locations, then accessibility is improved, but hygienic maintenance becomes difficult and ineffective
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the input device function with the disinfection function by integrating UVC LEDs directly into the key bodies. This combination allows the device to maintain accessibility as a standard keyboard while automatically providing hygienic treatment between uses, eliminating the need for separate manual cleaning processes
Solution Approach 2:
The device performs self-disinfection by automatically activating UVC LEDs in the key bodies when not in use or between interactions. This self-service capability maintains hygienic conditions without requiring external intervention or manual cleaning, solving the maintenance difficulty while preserving accessibility
3Reliability
If UV-C emitting diodes are integrated into key bodies for maximum radiation concentration, then disinfection effectiveness is improved, but user exposure risk increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses transparent key bodies that act as thin film structures allowing UVC radiation to pass through effectively for disinfection of surfaces below the keys. The transparency ensures maximum radiation concentration where needed while the physical key structure itself serves as a barrier protecting users from direct LED exposure
4Reliability
If the key body is made substantially transparent to UV-C light, then radiation concentration is improved, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent specifies particular material parameters for the key bodies - materials with high transparency to UV-C wavelengths (200-280nm). By defining specific optical property parameters rather than requiring complex multi-layer structures, the solution achieves maximum radiation concentration while maintaining manufacturability through standard material selection
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 solution effectively disinfects touch surfaces by concentrating UV-C radiation while protecting users from adverse effects, ensuring a safe and hygienic interface for public electronic devices.
Implementation Method 1
at least one diode positioned in the body and configured to emit a UV-C light
Implementation Method 2
wherein the body is substantially transparent to the UV-C light
Implementation Method 3
ensuring maximum radiation concentration and user shielding through opaque barriers
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed are hygienic interfaces for use with electronic devices employing keypad keys which incorporate UVC emitting LEDs. The interfaces work in conjunction with controller to control access to human touch surfaces. Access to those services are denied when they are not hygienic.