UV LED Disinfection Case for Electronic Devices
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current electronic device disinfection methods do not utilize low voltage UV LEDs and are not portable, posing safety risks and limitations in integrating disinfection into the device case without harming the user or the device.
Innovation Solution
Embedding UV LEDs within an ultraviolet absorbent case for electronic devices, equipped with a monitoring and control system that manages UV radiation based on usage frequency, biological activity, and disinfection history, ensuring safe and efficient disinfection while allowing portability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If UV lamps are used for disinfection, then sterilization effectiveness is improved, but safety risks and RF interference increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the fundamental parameter of the UV source from traditional high-voltage mercury lamps to low-voltage UV LEDs operating at 3.1-3.4 volts. This parameter change maintains the germicidal effectiveness (200-300nm wavelength range) while eliminating safety hazards associated with high voltage operation and reducing RF interference, as LEDs are solid-state devices without the electromagnetic emissions of traditional lamp ballasts
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical/electromagnetic system of traditional UV lamps with a solid-state LED system. This substitution eliminates the need for high-voltage power supplies, ballasts, and associated RF-generating components, providing a inherently safer disinfection source that integrates more easily into portable electronic device cases
2Ease of operation
If disinfection device is integrated into device case, then portability is improved, but user safety is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
By changing to low-voltage UV LEDs (3.1-3.4 volts), the patent enables safe integration into portable cases. The low operating voltage eliminates the shock hazard that would prevent user-facing integration, allowing the disinfection function to be built directly into the device case without compromising user safety
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an ultraviolet-absorbent material as an intermediary layer between the UV LED source and the user. This mediator absorbs any stray UV radiation, ensuring that while the LEDs can be positioned close to the device surface for effective disinfection, no harmful UV exposure reaches the user during normal case handling
3Reliability
If UV radiation is continuously applied, then disinfection effectiveness is improved, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements periodic rather than continuous UV LED operation through a microcontroller-based control system. The system monitors device usage patterns and activates the UV LEDs only during appropriate intervals (e.g., when the device is placed in the case and not in use), maintaining effective disinfection while dramatically reducing energy consumption compared to continuous operation
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a feedback control system using sensors to detect device presence and usage state. This feedback information is processed by a microcontroller that adjusts UV LED activation accordingly, ensuring disinfection occurs only when needed and optimizing the balance between effectiveness and energy consumption
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 safe, portable, and efficient disinfection of electronic devices by using low voltage UV LEDs within the device case, ensuring user safety and effective microbial reduction without bulkiness or operational hazards.
Implementation Method 1
at least one ultraviolet radiation source embedded within the ultraviolet absorbent case, the at least one ultraviolet radiation source configured to generate ultraviolet radiation directed at the electronic device
Implementation Method 2
An ultraviolet radiation source is embedded within an ultraviolet absorbent case
Data Source
AI summary
A solution for disinfecting electronic devices is provided. An ultraviolet radiation source is embedded within an ultraviolet absorbent case. While the electronic device is within the ultraviolet absorbent case, ultraviolent radiation is directed at the electronic device. A monitoring and control system monitors a plurality of attributes for the electronic device, which can include: a frequency of usage for the device, a biological activity at a surface of the device, and a disinfection schedule history for the device. Furthermore, the monitoring and control system can detect whether the device is being used. Based on the monitoring, the monitoring and control system controls the ultraviolet radiation directed at the electronic device.