UV pathogen control device and system
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current liquid/gel hand sanitizers leave residual effects, are slow-drying, unpleasant to use, and can lead to pathogen tolerance, while existing UV pathogen control devices are not user-friendly or efficient.
Innovation Solution
A UV pathogen control device utilizing high velocity air flow and UV light from multiple reflective surfaces, combined with ozone generation, for rapid and effective sterilization of surfaces without chemical residues.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If liquid/gel hand sanitizers are used for pathogen control, then pathogens are killed, but residual effects remain on skin and drying time is prolonged
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces chemical sanitizers with a physical UV light system that emits ultraviolet radiation to kill pathogens. The device uses a UV lamp housed in a reflective chamber to deliver high-intensity UV exposure to hands, eliminating the need for liquid/gel applications and their associated drying times and residues.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the parameter of pathogen control from chemical concentration to physical radiation intensity. By using high-intensity UV light with specific wavelength parameters, the system achieves rapid pathogen destruction without the temporal delays associated with chemical drying processes.
2Reliability
If liquid/gel hand sanitizers are used repeatedly, then pathogen control is maintained, but pathogen tolerance builds up and effectiveness reduces
Solution Approach 1:
The patent substitutes chemical action with physical UV radiation, which destroys pathogen DNA/RNA directly. This physical mechanism does not allow pathogens to develop tolerance in the same way they do with repeated chemical exposure, maintaining long-term effectiveness.
3Reliability
If UV light is used to kill pathogens, then pathogens are destroyed, but existing devices are not user-friendly or efficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the UV light delivery system into a compact handheld device with a reflective chamber that concentrates light on the user's hands. This segmentation allows for focused, efficient pathogen destruction while maintaining ease of operation through simple hand-placement interaction.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses reflective surfaces within the handheld device to redirect and concentrate UV light from the lamp onto the hands. This dimensional redirection of light paths maximizes the effectiveness of the UV exposure while keeping the device compact and easy to operate.
4Productivity
If high velocity air flow is combined with UV light, then sterilization efficiency increases, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates a small fan or air pump to generate high-velocity air flow that directs UV-irradiated air onto the hands. This pneumatic element enhances sterilization efficiency by ensuring continuous exposure and removing contaminated air, while the compact design keeps overall device complexity manageable.
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 provides instant and prolonged antimicrobial effects, reduces environmental waste, and prevents pathogen resistance, while maintaining user comfort and safety.
Implementation Method 1
The use of UV light to kill pathogens is well known
Implementation Method 2
utilizes high velocity UV light from multiple reflective surfaces
Implementation Method 3
A UV pathogen control device utilizing high velocity air flow and UV light from multiple reflective surfaces, combined with ozone generation
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.