Wavelength-Controlled Sanitizing Enclosure With UV LED Illumination
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing sanitizing devices using broad wavelength fluorescent tubes contain heavy metals, making them environmentally unsafe and non-compliant for use in vehicles, necessitating a safer and effective sanitizing solution.
Innovation Solution
A sanitizing device utilizing a combination of LED elements emitting various wavelengths of electromagnetic radiation, including UV-A, UV-B, UV-C, IR, and visible light, with a controller managing cleaning cycles to sanitize and illuminate contaminants on objects, allowing for user-specified cycle durations and post-cleaning instructions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If broad wavelength fluorescent tubes are used for sanitizing, then sanitizing effectiveness is improved, but environmental safety deteriorates due to heavy metal content
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the broad spectrum UV source into multiple discrete LED elements emitting at specific wavelengths (UV-A, UV-B, UV-C bands). Each LED element targets specific contaminant types, replacing the single broad-spectrum fluorescent tube with segmented wavelength-specific sources that eliminate heavy metal content while maintaining sanitizing effectiveness.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the fundamental parameter of light source technology from fluorescent tubes to LED elements, and further optimizes by selecting specific wavelength parameters within UV bands. This parameter change eliminates the need for heavy metal phosphors while achieving targeted sanitizing through precise wavelength selection.
2Reliability
If multiple LED elements emitting various wavelengths are used, then sanitizing effectiveness and contaminant visibility are improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates multiple functions into a single device: UV-C LEDs provide sterilization, UV-A/visible LEDs provide contaminant illumination and visibility, and the controller manages cleaning cycles. This multi-functionality approach consolidates what could be separate devices into one unified system, improving effectiveness without proportionally increasing complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines multiple LED elements of different wavelengths and a controller into an integrated sanitizing device. By merging the light sources and control functions into a single unit with coordinated operation, the system achieves comprehensive sanitizing and visualization capabilities while managing complexity through integration rather than separate components.
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 device effectively sanitizes and illuminates contaminants on objects, providing user confidence in sterilization efficacy while minimizing environmental impact and regulatory compliance issues, with UV-C LEDs offering efficient sterilization in a short duration and visible light aiding in contaminant visibility and removal.
Implementation Method 1
The device can include a plurality of light emitting diode (LED) elements that collectively provide a broad spectrum of various wavelengths of electromagnetic radiation
Implementation Method 2
Individual LED elements can be configured to emit any of UV-A, UV-B, UV-C, IR, and visible light having a selected hue
Implementation Method 3
Certain wavelengths of ultraviolet (UV) spectrum electromagnetic radiation can be used as a germicide to sanitize and/or sterilize contaminated objects
Data Source
AI summary
Sanitizing devices and control strategies based on wavelength are provided herein. An example device includes an enclosure for receiving an object, a first cleaning element that emits radiation at a first wavelength adapted to sanitize or sterilize contaminants on the object, a contaminant exposing element that emits radiation at a second wavelength that illuminates the contaminants on the object, a notification element that emits visible light within the enclosure, the visible light having a selected hue, and a controller for executing a cleaning cycle that includes illuminating contaminants present on the object using the contaminant exposing element prior to sanitizing or sterilizing the contaminants present on the object using the first cleaning element.