UV Loading Base With Retractable Bridge for Face Shield Disinfection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing facial protection devices for healthcare personnel inadequately disinfect both surfaces of the transparent screen due to limited UV LED reach and pose eye safety risks when disinfection is performed with the device on the user's head.
Innovation Solution
A loading base with a retractable bridge equipped with UV LEDs that disinfects both sides of the screen vertically, using synchronized augers and a motor for controlled movement, and includes proximity sensors for safety.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If UV LEDs are integrated into the facial protection device housing to disinfect the screen, then disinfection function is provided, but the UV light only reaches the outer face and cannot disinfect the inner face effectively
Solution Approach 1:
The disinfection function is segmented into two independent parts: UV LEDs for outer face disinfection integrated in the housing, and a separate retractable bridge with additional UV LEDs for inner face disinfection. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific disinfection task effectively without compromising the other.
Solution Approach 2:
The retractable bridge introduces a new spatial dimension to the disinfection process by extending from the housing towards the screen inner face. This dimensional extension allows UV LEDs to be positioned on both sides of the screen, enabling comprehensive disinfection of both outer and inner surfaces.
2Ease of manufacture
If UV LEDs are integrated into the facial protection device for disinfection, then disinfection is provided, but eye safety risks arise when the device is worn on the user's head
Solution Approach 1:
The complete disinfection system is extracted from the wearable device and relocated to a separate stationary housing. The facial protection device retains only the screen, while the housing with all UV LEDs and control systems serves as an independent disinfection station, eliminating radiation exposure risks during device wear.
Solution Approach 2:
The retractable bridge acts as an intermediary mechanism that enables disinfection only when the device is properly positioned in the housing. The bridge extends to activate UV LEDs for inner face disinfection, and proximity sensors serve as intermediaries to detect device presence and control UV LED activation, preventing unauthorized or unsafe operation.
3Reliability
If a retractable bridge with UV LEDs is added to disinfect both screen surfaces, then complete disinfection is achieved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The retractable bridge serves multiple functions: it provides structural support for inner face UV LEDs, acts as a mechanical actuator through its extension and retraction movement, and enables both outer and inner face disinfection sequences. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate dedicated components for each function.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses the device's own weight and positioning in the housing to trigger the disinfection process. Proximity sensors automatically detect when the device is properly placed, and the retractable bridge automatically extends and retracts based on detected device presence, eliminating the need for manual operation or complex control interfaces.
4Ease of operation
If the bridge is retracted to be flush with the housing, then device portability is improved, but the disinfection reach is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The bridge transitions from a static fixed structure to a dynamic retractable component. It extends during disinfection operations to achieve the necessary reach for inner face UV LED positioning, then retracts to be flush with the housing for compact storage and portability. This dynamic behavior allows the structure to adapt between operational and storage states.
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
Ensures thorough and safe disinfection of the facial protection device surfaces without exposing users to UV radiation risks, ensuring effective pathogen neutralization.
Implementation Method 1
a plurality of UV LEDs for disinfecting both surfaces of the screen of the facial protection device
Data Source
AI summary
A loading base for facial protection devices includes a main housing and support arms on which the facial protection device with a screen rests, and wherein the loading base incorporates a bridge that can move vertically on the support arms. The bridge has a structure in which two arches are defined forming an arched slot inside of which a plurality of UV LEDs are arranged to disinfect both surfaces of the screen of the facial protection device. The bridge is connected to the support arms by perforations that are linked to a pair of vertical augers provided in slots made in the support arms, and the vertical augers are coupled by a transmission to an electric motor.