UV-Responsive Photochromatic Laminates for Cleaning Verification
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current surface cleaning methods lack reliable indicators to confirm that surfaces have been sufficiently cleaned, leading to uncertainty for both cleaners and users regarding the cleanliness of surfaces.
Innovation Solution
The use of UV-responsive laminates with photochromatic pigments that change visibility in response to ultraviolet light exposure, allowing for visual confirmation of cleaning under ambient light conditions, providing assurance and auditability of cleaning processes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional cleaning methods are used, then cleaning can be performed, but there is no reliable indication that cleaning has been sufficiently performed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies photochromatic materials that undergo reversible color changes when exposed to UV light. The material transitions from a colored state to a transparent or altered state upon UV exposure, providing visual feedback that indicates successful cleaning. This color change mechanism directly addresses the need for reliable indication of cleaning effectiveness.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent incorporates visual feedback mechanisms through photochromatic indicators that change appearance in response to UV light exposure. This feedback system allows cleaners and users to immediately see whether cleaning has been sufficiently performed, eliminating the information loss about cleaning status.
2Reliability
If photochromatic materials are used to indicate cleaning, then visual confirmation is provided, but the materials must be positioned between source and indicator during decontamination
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the protective layer and photochromatic indicator into an integrated laminate structure. The photochromatic material is embedded within or on the surface of the laminate, eliminating the need for separate positioning of protective layers and indicators. This integration maintains the necessary functionality while reducing structural complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The laminate structure serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides protective coverage, contains the photochromatic indicator, and enables UV light transmission when needed. This multi-functionality reduces the number of separate components required, simplifying the overall device structure.
3Productivity
If UV light is used for cleaning, then surfaces can be disinfected, but the photochromatic material must be exposed to UV light to change visibility
Solution Approach 1:
The photochromatic material automatically changes visibility state when exposed to UV light during the cleaning process, without requiring additional energy input or external intervention. The material self-indicates cleaning status through its inherent photochromatic response to the UV light already being used for disinfection.
Solution Approach 2:
The photochromatic indicator continuously responds to UV light exposure throughout the cleaning process, providing ongoing visual feedback. The material remains in a changed state during and after UV exposure, maintaining visibility confirmation without requiring repeated energy input.
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
Enables reliable and efficient verification of surface cleanliness, ensuring that surfaces are properly disinfected and sanitized, improving confidence in cleaning processes and maintaining environmental hygiene.
Implementation Method 1
The photochromatic pigment is configured to change from a first state to a second state in response to absorbing UV light
Implementation Method 2
a UV light source configured to emit UV light within a wavelength range from about 200 nanometers (nm) to about 360 nm
Data Source
Figure 1A~1D
Figure 2A~2B
Figure 2C~2E
AI summary
The present disclosure provides for UV-responsive laminates including a first layer having a photochromatic pigment arranged as a pigment texture, or one or more photochromatic indicators, or combinations thereof. The photochromatic pigment may be disposed on the laminate during laminate fabrication, prior to installation of the laminate, or in-situ, subsequent to installation. The photochromatic pigment is configured to change from a first state to a second state in response to exposure to an ultraviolet (UV) light source, the first state is invisible to a naked eye under ambient lighting and the second state is visible to the naked eye under ambient lighting. The UV-responsive laminates may further include additional layers, such as a second layer which may be a coupling layer configured to removably couple the laminate to a component. Additional layers, such as a protective layer or a backing layer, may be included in the UV-responsive laminate as well.