UV LED Sterilizer with Reflector and Cover Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for sterilizing small devices like earphones, nail clippers, and mobile phones are cumbersome and often ineffective, while chemical disinfectants for sink drains cause environmental pollution and require frequent replenishment.
Innovation Solution
A UV light emitting diode-based sterilizing apparatus with a cover body, power supply, and detection unit that ensures UV light is only emitted when the device is properly closed, and a reflector to enhance sterilization efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If chemical disinfectants are used to sterilize sink drains, then sterilization effect is achieved, but environmental pollution occurs and frequent replenishment is required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces chemical disinfectants with a UV-C LED-based sterilization system. The UV-C light source (wavelength 200-280nm) directly sterilizes the sink drain and placed objects through photonic action without requiring chemical substances, thereby eliminating environmental pollution while maintaining effective sterilization.
Solution Approach 2:
The sterilization system operates autonomously using a built-in power supply and control circuitry. The controller automatically activates the UV-C LED when the cover is closed and runs for a predetermined time, eliminating the need for manual replenishment of chemicals while providing consistent sterilization效果.
2Reliability
If UV light is emitted continuously for sterilization, then sterilization effectiveness is improved, but UV light leakage risk increases
Solution Approach 1:
The controller monitors the cover closure state through a closure detection mechanism and uses this feedback to control UV-C LED operation. The UV light is activated only when the cover is confirmed closed, and the controller ensures the sterilization cycle completes before allowing cover opening, thereby preventing UV leakage while maintaining sterilization effectiveness.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary verification of cover closure before activating the UV-C LED. The controller checks the closure state in advance and only permits UV emission when safety conditions are met, preventing UV exposure to users while enabling effective sterilization during the enclosed operation cycle.
3Reliability
If the sterilization apparatus structure is made complex to ensure safety and functionality, then reliability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The cover body serves multiple functions: it protects the UV-C LED, acts as a closure for the sterilization chamber, provides a placement surface for objects, and enables safety detection through its closure state. The controller integrates multiple control functions (UV activation, timing, safety monitoring) into a single device, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining comprehensive safety and functionality.
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 apparatus effectively sterilizes small devices and sink drains quickly and safely, reducing the risk of UV light leakage and environmental pollution, while being convenient and efficient.
Implementation Method 1
a UV light emitting diode disposed at a side of the cover body facing the bottom surface and emitting UV light towards the accommodation space
Implementation Method 2
a reflector to enhance sterilization efficiency
Data Source
AI summary
A sterilizing apparatus is disclosed. A sterilizing apparatus according to one embodiment comprises: a cover main body unit having an accommodation space formed therein so as to accommodate a device to be sterilized, wherein the accommodation space is open toward a bottom surface on which the device to be sterilized is disposed; an ultraviolet light emitting diode provided on a surface facing the bottom surface of the cover main body unit, and turned on so as to emit ultraviolet rays toward the accommodation space; a power supply unit for supplying power to the ultraviolet light emitting diode so as to turn on the ultraviolet light emitting diode; and a control unit for controlling an operation of the power supply unit.