Portable UV-C Sterilization Case with Magnetic Lock and Charging
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Solution Overview
Problem
There is a need for a portable and economical solution to sterilize personal protective equipment (PPE) kits and small articles, particularly for healthcare workers, that is easy to use and integrates charging capabilities for electronic devices.
Innovation Solution
A portable sterilization case with integrated UV-C lamps, a rechargeable battery, and charging ports, featuring a hinge joint design, magnet-based locking mechanism, and control unit with timing circuitry for controlled UV exposure, allowing for efficient sterilization and simultaneous charging of devices.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a portable sterilization case with integrated UV lamps is designed, then sterilization effectiveness is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple functions into a single portable device: UV-C sterilization lamps integrated into both the base and lid, rechargeable battery power system, mobile phone charging ports, and magnetic locking mechanism all merged into one compact sterilization case, resolving the contradiction by consolidating complexity into a unified portable system
Solution Approach 2:
The sterilization case serves multiple purposes: sterilizing PPE and small articles using UV-C lamps, charging mobile phones via integrated charging ports, and providing portable power through the rechargeable battery, thereby improving reliability through multi-functionality while managing device complexity
2Ease of operation
If the sterilization case is made portable with integrated battery, then ease of operation is improved, but use of energy increases
Solution Approach 1:
The UV sterilization lamps operate in periodic cycles rather than continuously, with timing circuitry controlling illumination duration, and the device automatically activates upon closing the lid and deactivates when opened, optimizing energy consumption while maintaining portability and ease of operation
Solution Approach 2:
The sterilization case automatically detects when the lid is closed via magnetic sensors and activates the UV lamps without user intervention, then automatically shuts off when the lid is opened, providing self-service operation that conserves battery energy while maintaining portability
3Reliability
If UV lamps are activated automatically when case is closed, then sterilization reliability is improved, but object-generated harmful factors increase
Solution Approach 1:
The harmful UV radiation is extracted and contained within the enclosed space of the sterilization case, only activating when the lid is closed and sealed, preventing UV exposure to the user while maintaining sterilization reliability through automatic activation
Solution Approach 2:
The magnetic locking mechanism and automatic sensor detection prevent UV lamp activation before the case is properly closed, and the interlock system ensures UV lamps cannot operate when the case is open, providing preliminary protection against harmful UV exposure while ensuring sterilization reliability
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 provides effective, portable, and economical sterilization of PPE kits and small items while enabling on-the-go charging, ensuring the safety and hygiene of healthcare workers by ensuring the UV-C lamps are only active when the case is closed, enhancing user safety and convenience.
Implementation Method 1
The inner sides of each the box body and the cover can have an integrated ultraviolet (UV) lamp having a UV-C spectrum configuration
Implementation Method 2
the lock member can be a magnet/magnet pair or magnet/iron pair
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed is a portable sterilization case for personal protective equipment and small articles, such as a mobile phone. The portable sterilization case includes a box body having an opening and inner volume for receiving the articles. The portable sterilization case further includes a cover coupled to the box body forming an enclosed case. The cover is coupled through a hinge joint allowing the cover to pivot in an open position and close position. The inner sides of each the box body and the cover can have an integrated ultraviolet (UV) lamp having a UV-C spectrum configuration. The portable sterilization case further includes a lock member for securing the cover to the box body. In one case, the lock member can be a magnet/magnet pair or magnet/iron pair.