UV LED Sterilization Cover for Portable Terminal

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional sterilization apparatuses for portable terminals are not portable and cannot effectively sterilize devices while they are in motion, as they require a separate setup and cannot be used with the terminal carried on.

Innovation Solution

A sterilization apparatus integrated into a casing or cover attached to the portable terminal, featuring a UV LED for radiation and a reflection part that can be deployed to cover the screen, powered by a Near Field Communication (NFC) antenna, allowing for on-the-go sterilization without additional power sources.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a conventional sterilization apparatus is used for portable terminals, then sterilization function is provided, but portability is reduced because it needs to be additionally provided apart from the portable terminal

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesterilization functionVSAvoidportability
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The sterilization apparatus is merged with the portable terminal by integrating the UV LED sterilization module into the terminal's housing or cover. The control unit is combined with the terminal's existing control system, and the power supply unit shares the terminal's battery, creating a unified integrated device that maintains sterilization functionality while improving portability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The portable terminal is designed to serve multiple functions: it acts as both a communication device and a sterilization apparatus. The UV LED module can be activated through the terminal's existing interface (touch screen or buttons), allowing the terminal to universally perform both its primary communication role and the additional sterilization function without requiring separate dedicated equipment.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Reliability

If a conventional sterilization apparatus is used for portable terminals, then sterilization function is provided, but it cannot sterilize a portable terminal in motion because it is used with the terminal carried on in an office or at home

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesterilization functionVSAvoidusage environment flexibility
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The sterilization apparatus is designed with dynamic activation capability, allowing it to be triggered on-demand through the terminal's existing interface (touch screen or buttons) rather than requiring a fixed setup. The UV LED module can be activated at any time and location, enabling sterilization in motion or in various environments beyond traditional office or home settings.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The integrated control unit allows the terminal itself to initiate and control the sterilization process through its existing user interface, eliminating the need for external control equipment or fixed installation. The terminal serves its own sterilization needs autonomously, enhancing adaptability to different usage scenarios including motion-based applications.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

3Reliability

If additional power supply means are provided for the sterilization apparatus, then UV LED operation is ensured, but device complexity and portability are reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveUV LED operationVSAvoidpower supply structure
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The power supply unit is designed to universally utilize the portable terminal's existing battery, eliminating the need for separate power supply equipment. The control unit manages power allocation from the shared battery to both the terminal's primary functions and the UV LED sterilization module, reducing overall device complexity while ensuring reliable UV LED operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The power supply systems of the sterilization apparatus and the portable terminal are merged into a single integrated power management system. The terminal's battery serves dual purposes: powering both the terminal's communication functions and the UV LED sterilization module, thereby reducing the number of power supply components and improving portability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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

Enhances portability and convenience by enabling easy, motion-based sterilization of portable terminals with improved power management using NFC technology, reducing the need for additional power supply means.

Implementation Method 1

a UV LED provided in the casing and configured to radiate UV to one surface of the portable terminal

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLight Emitting Diode: Light Emitting Diode

Implementation Method 2

a reflection part configured to reflect UV radiated from the UV LED

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectReflection: Reflection

Data Source

PatentUS9912790B2Sterilizing apparatus for portable terminal
Publication Date: 2018.03.06 SEOUL VIOSYS CO LTD
  • US9912790B2 patent drawing
  • US9912790B2 patent drawing
  • US9912790B2 patent drawing

AI summary

Disclosed herein is a sterilization apparatus for a portable terminal, including a casing configured to receive the portable terminal and a UV LED provided in the casing. The sterilization apparatus can be always carried along with a portable terminal because the sterilization apparatus is constructed using a casing or a cover attached to the portable terminal. Accordingly, the portable terminal can be easily sterilized while in motion without being limited to the place.