UV Germicidal System for Human Interface Devices
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing portable lighting systems for disinfecting human interface devices, such as keyboards and touch screens, face challenges in efficiently disinfecting surfaces within a surgical grade sterilization standard, especially in environments where multiple devices are used frequently, and managing data import and export across these devices is cumbersome.
Innovation Solution
A germicidal system incorporating an ultra-violet (UV) light source integrated with human interface devices, a server for central data storage, and a fastening assembly for secure attachment, which includes a UV light source, a sensor for user detection, and a processor to control the UV light's operation, ensuring disinfection only when the device is not in use and storing usage data for analysis.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If UV light source is integrated with human interface devices for disinfection, then hygiene effectiveness is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the UV light source, sensor, processor, and fastening assembly into an integrated germicidal system that attaches to human interface devices. This merging of components into a single unified device achieves surgical grade disinfection while managing the complexity through integrated design rather than separate components.
Solution Approach 2:
The germicidal system is designed to be universally applicable to multiple human interface devices such as keyboards, touch screens, and other touch surfaces. The fastening assembly enables secure attachment to various device types, and the system performs both disinfection and data management functions, reducing the need for multiple specialized devices.
2Loss of information
If data is stored locally in memory on each device, then data accessibility is improved, but data management complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines local memory storage on each UV device with a centralized server storage system. Usage data is collected locally in memory on each device and then exported to a central server, creating a hierarchical data management structure that provides both local accessibility and centralized management in a unified system.
Solution Approach 2:
The processor acts as an intermediary between the local memory and the external server, managing data export and communication. This intermediary component simplifies data management by handling the transfer and coordination between distributed local storage and centralized server storage, reducing the complexity burden on individual devices.
3Reliability
If UV light operates continuously for maximum disinfection, then hygiene effectiveness is improved, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements periodic disinfection cycles rather than continuous operation. The sensor detects when the device is not in use and triggers UV light operation at specific intervals, providing effective disinfection while consuming energy only when needed. This periodic activation maintains hygiene effectiveness without the energy waste of continuous operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses a sensor to automatically detect device usage status and self-regulate UV light operation accordingly. When the sensor detects that the human interface device is not in use, the processor automatically activates the UV light for disinfection without requiring manual intervention, optimizing energy usage based on actual disinfection needs.
4Stability of the object's composition
If fastening assembly provides secure attachment, then device stability is improved, but ease of installation decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The fastening assembly is segmented into separate components including an engagement member and receptacle housing, allowing for modular assembly and installation. This segmentation enables the fastening mechanism to provide secure attachment through precise engagement of parts while maintaining relative ease of installation through component-based assembly rather than requiring complex integrated fastening systems.
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 disinfects human interface device touch surfaces to a surgical grade standard, reducing bacterial and viral transmission risks, while managing data for operational optimization and reporting, enhancing hygiene in shared device environments.
Implementation Method 1
at least one ultra-violet (UV) light source in proximity to the at least one human interface device for disinfecting a touch surface
Data Source
AI summary
A germicidal system for use in disinfecting a human interface device includes at least one human interface device. One or more ultra-violet (UV) light sources are used in proximity to the at least one human interface device for disinfecting a touch surface of the human interface device below a surgical grade sterilization. A memory for storing usage data of the at least one UV light source. At least one server is used for providing a central storage location for usage data supplied from the memory and a computer is used in communication with the at least one server for controlling the operational parameters of the at least one UV light source.