UV pathogen control device and system
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current liquid/gel hand sanitizers are inefficient, leaving residual effects such as unpleasant smell and texture, and can be flammable. Additionally, repeated use can lead to tolerance buildup, reducing their effectiveness over time. Existing UV-based pathogen control devices are not user-friendly or efficient, and do not utilize high velocity UV light from multiple reflective surfaces.
Innovation Solution
A UV pathogen control device that uses high velocity air flow in conjunction with UV light from multiple reflective surfaces to kill pathogens, incorporating a housing with a UV light source, reflective surfaces, and an air compressor to direct pressurized air and UV light towards the surface to be sterilized.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If liquid/gel hand sanitizers are used to sterilize hands, then pathogen killing effect is achieved, but residual effects (unpleasant smell and texture) remain on the skin
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces chemical sanitizing agents with a physical UV light system. The UV-C light source (wavelength 200-280nm) directly kills pathogens through photodissociation of DNA/RNA without leaving chemical residues on the skin, thereby eliminating the harmful residual effects while maintaining pathogen killing effectiveness
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the sterilization parameter from chemical concentration to UV light intensity and exposure duration. By controlling the UV irradiance (measured in mW/cm²) and exposure time, the system achieves pathogen inactivation without the side effects of chemical residues, smell, or skin texture changes
2Reliability
If liquid/gel sanitizers are used repeatedly, then pathogen control is maintained initially, but tolerance buildup reduces effectiveness over time
Solution Approach 1:
The patent substitutes chemical action with physical UV radiation. Since UV light kills pathogens through direct DNA/RNA damage rather than chemical disruption of cell membranes, pathogens cannot develop tolerance or resistance, ensuring long-term effectiveness without the diminishing returns seen with repeated chemical sanitizer use
3Reliability
If conventional UV sterilization devices are used, then pathogen control is achieved, but the devices are not user-friendly or efficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates multiple functions into a single handheld device: UV-C sterilization, ozone generation for enhanced pathogen control, and portable battery power. This multi-functional design makes the device both efficient for pathogen control and convenient for user operation in various settings
Solution Approach 2:
The patent incorporates an air pump that generates high-velocity airflow to deliver UV irradiated air directly to the user's hands or target surfaces. This pneumatic delivery system enhances the efficiency of pathogen control by ensuring direct contact between the sterilized air and the treatment area, while also improving ease of operation through a simple trigger-based mechanism
4Reliability
If conventional UV sterilization devices are used, then some pathogen control is achieved, but they do not utilize high velocity UV light from multiple reflective surfaces
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the UV light source into multiple segments or uses multiple light sources arranged around the treatment chamber. This segmentation allows UV light to reach pathogens from multiple angles and surfaces, increasing the overall sterilization efficiency and speed by eliminating shadowed areas and ensuring comprehensive coverage
Solution Approach 2:
The patent incorporates reflective surfaces (such as aluminum or white painted interior walls) to redirect UV light in multiple directions. This adds a spatial dimension to the sterilization process, bouncing UV photons across the treatment chamber to increase pathogen exposure and accelerate the sterilization process without requiring higher light intensity
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 achieves efficient and instant sterilization of surfaces, including skin, without leaving chemical residues, reducing the risk of pathogen resistance, and minimizing environmental waste from disposable plastic bottles. It maintains antiseptic effects even after the UV light is turned off, degrading into a weaker oxidizing agent.
Implementation Method 1
UV light source located within the interior of the housing
Implementation Method 2
UV light to kill pathogens is well known
Implementation Method 3
a reflective surface within the interior of the housing
Implementation Method 4
an inlet for introducing pressurized air into the interior of the housing
Implementation Method 5
the device is a UV light source and ozone
Data Source
AI summary
A UV microorganism inhibiting device that includes a housing having an interior, and a front and back that defines a length; at least one UV light source located within the interior of the housing; a pressurized air source to produce pressurized air; an inlet for introducing pressurized air into the interior of the housing; a reflective surface within the interior of the housing; and an outlet opening for allowing UV light and an air and ozone mixture to pass from the interior of the housing to outside the housing.