UV-C Sanitizing Mobile Device Case with Wireless Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

There is a need for a portable and convenient method to sanitize surfaces against pathogens, as traditional sanitizing methods like gels and wipes can be bulky, risky for antibiotic resistance, and may contain toxic chemicals, while public awareness of germ spread increases due to rising antibiotic-resistant bacteria and viral outbreaks.

Innovation Solution

A mobile device case equipped with ultraviolet (UV) light emitters, specifically UV-C LEDs for disinfection and blue light LEDs for therapy, integrated with a power source and control system, allowing for quick and portable sanitization and therapy on-the-go.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If traditional sanitizing methods (gels and wipes) are used, then sanitization effectiveness is achieved, but device bulk and portability are worsened

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesanitization effectivenessVSAvoidsanitizing supply bulk

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces mechanical sanitizing methods (wipes and gels) with ultraviolet light radiation. The UV light emitter embedded in the mobile device case emits UV radiation that kills microorganisms on contact, eliminating the need for physical sanitizing supplies and providing contactless sanitization.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The mobile device case serves multiple functions: it protects the device physically and simultaneously provides sanitization capabilities through integrated UV light emitters. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate sanitizing supplies, reducing overall bulk while maintaining sanitization effectiveness.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Reliability

If traditional sanitizing methods are used, then sanitization is achieved, but health risks from toxic chemicals and antibiotic resistance are worsened

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesanitization effectivenessVSAvoidtoxic chemical exposure

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent substitutes chemical-based sanitization (gels and wipes containing alcohol and other chemicals) with physical UV radiation. The UV light emitter kills microorganisms through radiation-induced DNA damage, completely eliminating exposure to toxic chemicals while maintaining effective sanitization.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent converts the harmful effects of UV radiation (which can be damaging to skin and eyes) into beneficial sanitization through controlled emission. The UV light is emitted in a controlled manner to effectively kill pathogens while minimizing harm to the user, transforming a potentially harmful radiation into a safe sanitization tool.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

3Reliability

If UV-C light is used for sanitization, then germicidal effectiveness is improved, but safety concerns from UV exposure are worsened

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvegermicidal effectivenessVSAvoidUV exposure risk

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The UV light emitter is strategically positioned within the mobile device case to direct UV radiation only at the device surface and immediate surroundings during sanitization. This localized emission ensures effective germicidal action on the device while minimizing UV exposure to the user through the device housing and user interface design.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The mobile device case performs self-sanitization through integrated UV light emitters that automatically activate when the device is placed in the case. This self-service mechanism eliminates the need for manual UV exposure by the user, as the system autonomously sanitizes the device surface without requiring user interaction with the UV radiation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

4Adaptability or versatility

If portable sanitization solutions are carried, then on-the-go sanitization is enabled, but convenience and ease of use are worsened

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveportable sanitization capabilityVSAvoidsanitization convenience

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the sanitization function directly into the mobile device case structure. The UV light emitter, power source, and control circuitry are integrated within the case, creating a unified system that provides sanitization without requiring separate portable containers or applications. Users simply place their device in the case and activate the function through the existing device interface.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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 sanitizes surfaces and provides light therapy using UV-C and blue light, addressing the limitations of traditional sanitizing methods by being compact, safe, and environmentally friendly, while also promoting public health through accessible germ protection.

Implementation Method 1

ultraviolet (UV) radiation is effective in killing microorganisms including but not limited to surface bacteria, viruses, yeasts, molds, dust mites and flea eggs

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectUltraviolet radiation: Radiation

Implementation Method 2

UV-C light induces changes in the structure of DNA leading to the production and accumulation of cyclobutane pyrimidine dimers (CPDs), in turn distorting the DNA molecule, causing cellular damage

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectCyclobutane pyrimidine dimers formation:

Implementation Method 3

blue light has been receiving more attention and has been shown to have an intrinsic antimicrobial effect without the addition of exogenous photosensitizers

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectBlue light: Light

Implementation Method 4

blue light has been shown to effectively treat seasonal affective disorder (SAD) and new indications have been studied with positive results in the use of blue light for non-seasonal depression, bulimia, sleep disorders and non-seasonal circadian disorders

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectLight therapy:

Data Source

PatentUS10265540B2Mobile device case with ultraviolet light sanitizer and light therapy

Publication Date: 2019.04.23 ETS TECH LLC

AI summary

A protective case for a mobile electronic device is provided. The case includes at least one light emitting diode that emits electromagnetic radiation in the range of UV-C light for sanitizing contaminated surfaces. The case also includes additional LEDs that emit light at wavelengths known to have a therapeutic effect such as a blue light for treating seasonal affective disorder. The LEDs are provided in a separate encasement that is detachable from the protective cover configured to receive and protect the mobile electronic device. A short-range wireless receiver is included to communicate with an application installed on the mobile electronic device for controlling the activation, intensity, duration and mode of the LEDs including predetermined treatment or sanitization protocols.