UV-Sterilized Diaper Pail With Safe Odor and Microbe Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Household waste receptacles, particularly diaper pails, pose a risk of microorganism multiplication and malodor due to decomposition, necessitating a solution that effectively sterilizes and reduces VOCs.
Innovation Solution
A waste receptacle equipped with UV illumination sources and safety sensors to ensure safe operation, using UV light to sterilize the interior and break down odor-causing molecules.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If traditional waste receptacles are used to store waste, then waste can be stored temporarily, but microorganisms multiply and malodor builds up
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical/chemical cleaning systems with an ultraviolet light-based sterilization system. The UV illumination source emits ultraviolet light that directly sterilizes the interior surfaces of the waste receptacle, breaking down microorganisms and odor-causing molecules without requiring mechanical intervention or chemical additives.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the physical-chemical state of the waste receptacle environment by introducing ultraviolet radiation. The UV light alters the molecular structure of harmful substances, converting complex organic compounds into simpler, less harmful substances, thereby changing the chemical composition and reducing harmful factors.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If UV light is used to sterilize the receptacle, then microorganisms are killed and VOCs are broken down, but safety risks arise from UV exposure
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces safety sensors as intermediary components that mediate between the UV illumination source and the environment. These sensors detect the presence of users or objects near the receptacle and control the UV light operation accordingly, allowing sterilization when safe and preventing exposure when hazardous.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a feedback control system where safety sensors continuously monitor conditions and provide real-time information to control the UV illumination source. The system receives feedback about safety conditions and automatically adjusts UV light operation to maintain sterilization effectiveness while preventing harmful exposure.
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 UV light effectively kills up to 99.99% of microorganisms and immediately breaks down odor-causing molecules, providing a clean and safe waste storage environment.
Implementation Method 1
Ultraviolet germicidal irradiation (UVGI) is the use of ultraviolet (UV) energy (electromagnetic radiation with a wavelength shorter than that of visible light) to kill or inactivate viral, bacterial, and fungal species. UV light also acts as a high energy catalyst that breaks down odor-causing volatile organic compounds (VOCs) into less complex molecules through a process called oxidation.
Data Source
AI summary
A method of sterilizing a waste container with ultraviolet (UV) light is disclosed which includes, inserting an article of waste into the waste container, sealing the container from an external environment to prevent UV light from shining out, activating a UV sanitizing routine stored in a UV light module having at least one UV light source and irradiating an interior surface of the diaper pail with the UV light.