UV LED Touch Screen Sterilization via Edge Reflection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Touch screens in multi-user environments, such as aircraft cockpits, pose a risk of germ transmission due to inconsistent and unreliable manual cleaning, which can be economically harmful, especially when pilots with sickness operate the same screens in quick succession.
Innovation Solution
Integration of ultraviolet (UV) light-emitting diodes (LEDs) into touch screens that sterilize the surface at startup and periodically during operation, with strategic placement to prevent eye strain and damage, including disposal at the edges or behind the glass with a UV fluorescing or phosphorescing layer for comprehensive sterilization.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If manual cleaning is used to maintain touch screens, then cleaning can be performed, but the cleaning is inconsistent and unreliable
Solution Approach 1:
The touch screen system performs sterilization automatically using integrated UV LEDs without requiring manual intervention. The system self-activates the UV LEDs at startup and periodically during operation to maintain hygiene, eliminating reliance on inconsistent manual cleaning while reducing user burden.
2Reliability
If UV LEDs are placed directly on the touch screen surface, then sterilization effectiveness is maximized, but eye damage and strain risk increases
Solution Approach 1:
A diffuser layer is introduced between the UV LEDs and the touch screen surface to scatter and redistribute the UV light. This intermediary component maintains sterilization effectiveness by ensuring comprehensive UV coverage while reducing the intensity of direct UV exposure to users, thereby minimizing eye strain and damage risk.
Solution Approach 2:
The UV LEDs are positioned at the edges of the touch screen rather than across the entire surface. This localized placement concentrates UV emission at the boundaries where germs can be effectively sterilized through reflection and diffusion, while keeping the central user interaction area free from direct UV exposure, thus protecting user eyes.
3Reliability
If UV LEDs are activated continuously, then sterilization is maintained constantly, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The UV LEDs are activated periodically rather than continuously - specifically at system startup and at scheduled intervals during operation. This periodic activation maintains effective sterilization by addressing critical contamination periods while significantly reducing overall energy consumption compared to continuous operation.
4Reliability
If UV fluorescing or phosphorescing layer is added behind the glass display, then comprehensive sterilization is achieved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The UV fluorescing or phosphorescing layer serves multiple functions: it converts UV light to visible light for enhanced sterilization coverage, acts as an additional sterilization mechanism by emitting light at different wavelengths, and integrates seamlessly with the existing display structure. This multi-functional component achieves comprehensive sterilization while minimizing additional complexity.
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
Effectively reduces the risk of germ transmission by consistently sterilizing the touch screen surfaces, enhancing hygiene and user safety without causing eye strain or damage, particularly in high-risk environments like aircraft cockpits.
Implementation Method 1
touch screen with built-in ultraviolet (UV) light-emitting diodes (LEDs). The LEDs sterilize the touch screen
Implementation Method 2
behind a UV fluorescing or phosphorescing layer to sterilize the glass from behind
Implementation Method 3
behind a UV fluorescing or phosphorescing layer to sterilize the glass from behind
Implementation Method 4
angles of reflection retain the UV rays within the glass display to prevent damage or strain to the user's eyes
Data Source
AI summary
A touch screen or touch screen appliance includes built-in UV LEDs. The LEDs sterilize the touch screen at start-up, and periodically during operation. The LEDs may be disposed at the edges of the glass display such that the UV light is completely internally reflected within the glass display to prevent damage or strain to the user's eyes. Alternatively, the LEDs may be disposed behind the glass display, potentially also behind a UV fluorescing or phosphorescing layer to sterilize the glass from behind. Alternatively, the LEDs may be disposed in a layer in front of the glass display, or at angles around the perimeter of the glass display.