UV Sanitizer Chamber Hooks for Interior Spaces

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing sanitizing devices are not well-suited for articles with interior spaces, such as reusable grocery bags and sporting equipment, and lack portability and ease of use.

Innovation Solution

A portable sanitizer device with a rigid opaque enclosure, UV fluorescent bulbs, and an electronic circuit for timed UV light exposure, designed for easy use and movement, featuring a support stand with wheels and adjustable fastening mechanisms for various types of articles.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If existing sanitizing devices are used, then surface decontamination can be achieved, but they are not well-suited for articles with interior spaces

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesuitability for articles with interior spacesVSAvoidsanitization effectiveness
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The sanitizer device is divided into separate functional components: multiple UV bulbs positioned at different locations (top, bottom, sides), a removable cage structure, and a detachable door assembly. This segmentation allows the device to accommodate various article shapes and sizes with interior spaces, while each UV bulb independently contributes to comprehensive sanitization coverage.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Weight of moving object

If existing sanitizing devices are used, then sterilization function is provided, but portability is compromised

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveportabilityVSAvoidsterilization function
Core Design Contradiction:
Weight of moving objectVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The device incorporates a hinged door assembly that can swing open for loading/unloading articles, and a support stand with adjustable legs that adapts to different surface conditions. The removable cage allows flexible configuration. These dynamic elements enable portability and ease of use while maintaining effective UV sterilization function when the door is closed and UV bulbs are activated.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Ease of operation

If existing sanitizing devices are used, then decontamination is achieved, but ease of use deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of useVSAvoiddecontamination effectiveness
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The device features an automatic door-activated switch system where closing the door automatically initiates the UV sterilization cycle, and opening the door automatically shuts off the UV bulbs. This self-service mechanism eliminates the need for manual intervention to start/stop the sterilization process, making operation simple while ensuring reliable decontamination timing.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

4Reliability

If existing sanitizing devices are used, then sterilization is provided, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesanitization capabilityVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The device is designed as a universal sanitizer that can accommodate various types of articles with interior spaces (bags, helmets, shoes, containers) through its open cage structure and adjustable support stand. The multiple UV bulbs provide multi-functional coverage for different article configurations. This universal design achieves reliable sanitization without requiring complex specialized mechanisms for different article types.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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

Effectively sanitizes articles with interior spaces, promoting ease of use, portability, and cost-effectiveness, while preventing bacterial and fungal growth.

Implementation Method 1

At least one sanitizer bulb, such as a UV fluorescent bulb, is fixed to the bulb attachment means and extends at least partially into the open internal space of the enclosure

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectUltraviolet light: Light

Data Source

PatentUS8143596B2Ultraviolet sterilization chamber with hooks for attaching objects to be sterilized
Publication Date: 2012.03.27 YERBY EARL
  • US8143596B2 patent drawing
  • US8143596B2 patent drawing
  • US8143596B2 patent drawing

AI summary

An article sanitizer includes a rigid opaque enclosure open at a door side thereof. An enclosure door is adapted to selectively close the door side of the enclosure. At least one UV bulb is fixed to at least one bulb fixture within the enclosure and extends at least partially into the open internal space of the enclosure. A cage is fixed around each sanitizer bulb. An article fastener is fixed with the cage and is adapted to be selectively fastened to the article for securing the article thereto. An electronic circuit is electrically connected to each sanitizer bulb and is adapted to power each bulb for a present period of time. A switch may be included proximate the door and adapted to electrically close when the door is closed to prevent bulb activation when the door is open. A wheeled support stand may be fixed with the enclosure.