UV-C Sanitizing Compartment with Movable Cover
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current vehicle interior systems lack an effective and user-friendly method for sanitizing objects within the vehicle using ultraviolet radiation, particularly for biomatter, with inadequate control and feedback mechanisms.
Innovation Solution
A vehicle interior component comprising a compartment with a moveable cover, a UV-C LED radiation source, and a user interface that provides audible and visual signals for operation, ensuring safe and controlled administration of ultraviolet light doses to sanitize objects, including biomatter, with sensors for fault detection and cycle control.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If ultraviolet radiation is used to sanitize objects in vehicle interior, then sanitization effectiveness is improved, but safety risks increase due to potential exposure to harmful UV radiation
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the compartment into a treatment zone (where UV radiation is applied) and a safe zone (where users interact with the system). The movable cover creates physical separation, allowing UV radiation to sanitize objects inside the compartment while preventing direct exposure to users outside the compartment.
Solution Approach 2:
The movable cover acts as an intermediary barrier between the UV radiation source and users. When closed, it blocks harmful UV radiation while allowing the sanitization process to occur inside the compartment. The cover must be closed for the radiation source to operate, ensuring safety while maintaining sanitization effectiveness.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If a movable cover is added to control UV radiation access, then safety is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The movable cover serves multiple functions: it acts as a safety barrier against UV radiation, defines the treatment compartment, provides a mounting surface for the control panel and light guide, and serves as a visual indicator through its light-transmissive properties. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional separate components.
Solution Approach 2:
The light-transmissive light guide on the movable cover changes its optical properties based on operational state. During UV radiation administration, the light guide illuminates to indicate the treatment is in progress, providing visual feedback without requiring additional complex indicator systems.
3Ease of operation
If a light guide is integrated into the cover for user feedback, then ease of operation is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The light guide is merged with the movable cover structure itself rather than being a separate component. The cover incorporates light-transmissive elements that illuminate during operation, providing visual feedback while maintaining a clean, integrated appearance. This reduces the number of separate parts while achieving the desired user feedback function.
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 effectively sanitizes objects by providing a controlled dose of UV-C light, ensuring a 3-log reduction in viruses and bacteria, with user-friendly operation and feedback mechanisms, enhancing interior hygiene and safety.
Implementation Method 1
The radiation source may comprise at least one of (a) an LED; (b) an LED lamp; (c) an LED array; (d) at least one LED; (e) a set of two LEDs; (f) a lamp installed within the base; (g) a light emitting diode installed within the base; (h) a UV-C LED installed within the base
Implementation Method 2
The dose of radiation may be intended to sanitize the object of biomatter
Data Source
AI summary
A system/component for a vehicle interior configured to administer a dose of radiation to an object is disclosed. The system/component may comprise a base providing a compartment, a cover, a module comprising a radiation source and a control panel providing a user interface. The radiation source may administer radiation to the object; the user interface may be configured for operation of the module; the user interface may provide a signal; the signal may comprise an audible signal and/or a light signal. The radiation source may comprise an ultraviolet light source. The system may be operated according to a control program. The compartment may contain the object and the light source may comprise an LED arrangement to direct light onto the object in the compartment. The dose of radiation may be intended to sanitize biomatter. A method of operating the system/component is also disclosed.