UV Sanitization Enclosure for Keyboards with Touchless Activation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Computer keyboards and mice in healthcare and public settings are significant vectors for the transmission of pathogens due to ineffective sanitization methods, as existing UV sanitation devices face issues with stability, cross-contamination, and inconsistent UV exposure.

Innovation Solution

A motorized, light-tight enclosure with an infrared proximity sensor for touchless operation, integrated UV light measurement, and programmable sanitization cycles ensures consistent UV exposure and stability, preventing cross-contamination during sanitization.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If manual cleaning policies are implemented, then sanitization can be performed, but effectiveness is limited and impractical for large facilities

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesanitization effectivenessVSAvoidpracticality of manual cleaning

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The keyboard and mouse automatically perform self-sanitization through integrated UV-C lamps that activate automatically after a period of inactivity, eliminating the need for manual cleaning intervention while ensuring consistent sanitization effectiveness

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces manual mechanical cleaning with an automated UV-C light system that sanitizes surfaces without physical contact, making the process practical for large facilities while maintaining reliable sanitization effectiveness

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Productivity

If UV sanitation enclosures are used, then rapid sanitization can be achieved, but stability and consistency of UV exposure are problematic

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesanitization speedVSAvoidUV exposure consistency

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The system incorporates UV-C sensors that continuously monitor the intensity and duration of UV exposure, providing feedback to the control system to ensure consistent and reliable sanitization dosing while maintaining rapid processing

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The patent integrates multiple functions including UV-C emission, UV-C sensing, visible light sensing, and automated control into a single system that ensures consistent exposure while maintaining rapid sanitization capability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Ease of operation

If touch operation is used to activate sanitization, then device is simple to operate, but cross-contamination risk increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesimplicity of activationVSAvoidcross-contamination risk

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces mechanical touch operation with optical sensing mechanisms (infrared sensors and visible light sensors) that detect hand presence and activate sanitization without physical contact, eliminating cross-contamination risk while maintaining ease of operation

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The system uses infrared and visible light as intermediary signals between the user and the sanitization function, allowing activation without direct contact with contaminated surfaces

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

4Device complexity

If UV lamp output is not monitored, then device complexity is reduced, but sanitization reliability decreases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesimplicity of UV systemVSAvoidsanitization effectiveness

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent incorporates UV-C sensors that provide real-time feedback on lamp output intensity and duration, enabling the control system to adjust and maintain reliable sanitization effectiveness while managing device complexity through integrated control

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

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 solution provides effective and consistent UV sanitization of keyboards and touchpads, reducing the risk of pathogen transmission by ensuring proper UV dosage and minimizing manual handling, thus enhancing sanitization efficiency and safety.

Implementation Method 1

Germicidal short wave ultraviolet light at 253.7 nm is known as an effective, rapid way to sanitize non-porous, flat surfaces

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectUltraviolet radiation: Radiation

Implementation Method 2

an infrared proximity sensor similar to those used in touchless faucets and towel dispensers

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectInfrared radiation detection: Infrared Radiation

Implementation Method 3

a controller and light sensor which measures the intensity of light emitted by the UV source in one or more spectral ranges

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectLight intensity measurement: Photoelectric Effect

Data Source

PatentUS8084752B2Ultraviolet treatment device

Publication Date: 2011.12.27 VIOGUARD CORP

AI summary

A keyboard and touchpad or mouse UV treatment system with optical sensor and inclined slide is described. A proximity sensor, microcontroller firmware, and motorized mechanism allow activation of the sanitization cycle by personnel with contaminated hands without risk of additional spreading of pathogens to other personnel and patients. The inclined slide provides stability when operated on a desk, and the microcontroller and optical sensor determine the proper exposure time to compensate for lamp aging and variations in lamp output.