UV Sanitizing Light Module for Personal Items

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods struggle to efficiently sanitize high-touch personal items like mobile phones, keys, and cosmetics, especially those with electronic components or complex shapes, as they cannot be safely exposed to water or certain cleaning chemicals.

Innovation Solution

A sanitizing module and container system that uses ultraviolet light emitting elements to sanitize personal items. The module is designed to be removably connected to a container, emitting UV light into the container to effectively sanitize items without the need for water or harsh chemicals.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If water or alcohol based cleaning solutions are used, then sanitization effectiveness is improved, but electronic components are damaged

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesanitization effectivenessVSAvoiddamage to electronic components

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces chemical cleaning methods (water, alcohol solutions) with a physical method using ultraviolet light for sanitization. The UV light emitting element emits ultraviolet light that sanitizes items without requiring liquid contact, thus protecting electronic components from water damage while maintaining sanitization effectiveness.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Reliability

If cleaning chemicals are used, then sanitization effectiveness is improved, but certain materials (e.g., silicones) are damaged

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesanitization effectivenessVSAvoiddamage to materials

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent substitutes chemical cleaning agents with ultraviolet light irradiation. The UV light sanitizes surfaces and items without requiring chemical contact, thereby preventing damage to sensitive materials like silicones while achieving effective sanitization.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Reliability

If wipes or sanitizing solutions are used, then sanitization coverage is improved, but cleaning of complex shapes (nooks and crevices) is insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesanitization coverageVSAvoidcleaning accessibility

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces manual wiping and liquid application methods with ultraviolet light irradiation. The UV light can penetrate and reach into complex shapes, nooks, and crevices that are difficult to access with wipes or liquid solutions, providing comprehensive sanitization coverage for items with intricate geometries.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

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 system provides a safe and efficient method to sanitize high-touch personal items, effectively killing bacteria and viruses, including COVID-19, without damaging electronic components or complex shapes.

Implementation Method 1

at least one ultraviolet light emitting element within the housing and being configured to emit ultraviolet light out of the housing through the open end

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectUltraviolet light: Light

Data Source

PatentUS12263261B2UV sanitizing light module and container system

Publication Date: 2025.04.01 CONAIR CORP

AI summary

A sanitizing module includes a housing having an open end, and at least one ultraviolet light emitting element within the housing and being configured to emit ultraviolet light out of the housing through the open end. The housing is configured for removable connection to a container having an interior receiving space such that connection of the housing to the container encloses the interior receiving space of the container.