UV Sanitizing Scan Device with Motion Sensor Cover
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
There is a need for a sanitizing scan device that can effectively and automatically disinfect contact surfaces without manual labor, while preventing the spread of infectious diseases by eliminating germs, bacteria, and viruses.
Innovation Solution
A sanitizing scan device equipped with ultraviolet (UV) light sanitizing capabilities, housed in a durable, weatherproof covering that can be installed over various items and areas. The device includes a motion sensor that automatically opens and closes the cover, ensuring the surface is only accessible when ready to use.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If manual cleaning and sanitizing is performed, then surfaces can be disinfected, but it is time consuming, tiring, and may result in missed areas leading to incomplete sanitization
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical cleaning with an automated UV light sanitizing system. The device uses ultraviolet light sources to disinfect surfaces automatically, eliminating the need for manual wiping and cleaning actions. The system includes a housing with UV lights that can be positioned over surfaces to provide hands-free sanitization, directly addressing the contradiction by substituting mechanical human effort with automated optical disinfection.
Solution Approach 2:
The sanitizing device is designed to operate autonomously without requiring continuous human intervention. Once positioned, the UV light system self-regulates to disinfect surfaces, and the motion-activated cover automatically opens and closes based on detected movement. This self-service capability eliminates the time-consuming nature of manual cleaning while maintaining reliable sanitization coverage.
2Reliability
If manual cleaning is performed, then surfaces can be sanitized, but it is difficult to ensure high-level disinfection due to missed areas, re-contamination, and improper usage
Solution Approach 1:
The system replaces complex manual cleaning procedures with a simplified UV light-based automated disinfection process. The device eliminates variables associated with manual operation such as improper technique, missed areas, and re-contamination risks from dirty tools. The UV system provides consistent, high-level disinfection through automated exposure without requiring user skill or attention.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a motion sensor as an intermediary between the user and the sanitizing process. The sensor detects hand approach and automatically triggers cover opening and UV activation, removing the need for manual operation controls. This intermediary automates the operational sequence, ensuring consistent disinfection quality while simplifying user interaction to merely approaching the device.
3Extent of automation
If UV light sanitizing is implemented, then automatic disinfection can be achieved, but the device requires a durable, weatherproof covering and motion sensors adding complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a flexible, weatherproof cover that encapsulates the UV light components while protecting them from environmental damage. This thin-film enclosure provides durability and weather resistance without significantly increasing device complexity. The cover integrates seamlessly with the housing structure, offering protection while maintaining a compact, simple overall device form factor suitable for various surfaces.
4Ease of operation
If the cover is always open for access, then surfaces are easily accessible, but germs and bacteria can spread to anyone touching the surface
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary sanitization by automatically activating UV lights when motion is detected, disinfecting the surface before user contact. The motion sensor triggers the cover opening and UV activation sequence in advance of potential contamination, ensuring the surface is cleaned before the user touches it. This preliminary disinfection action prevents pathogen transmission while maintaining ease of access.
Solution Approach 2:
The device applies preliminary anti-action by using UV light to kill germs and bacteria before they can be transmitted to users. The motion-activated system detects approach and immediately initiates sanitization, creating a protective effect that counteracts potential pathogen spread. This preliminary protective measure allows the cover to remain accessible while preventing harmful factor transmission.
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 effective protection against germs, viruses, and bacteria by using UV light to sanitize surfaces automatically, reducing the need for manual cleaning and minimizing the risk of disease transmission.
Implementation Method 1
a plurality of ultraviolet radiating sources (106) contained therein for emitting light at the proper wavelength for sanitation
Implementation Method 2
The interior sidewalls (304) of the housing (102) include reflective material (112) to redirect ultraviolet light from the ultraviolet-radiating sources (106)
Data Source
AI summary
A sanitizing scan device is disclosed that utilizes ultraviolet (UV) light for eliminating germs, bacteria, and viruses from different surfaces. In use, the UV light is refracted and covers the surface area to be sanitized. The sanitizing scan device comprises a housing and cover that is a durable, weather, insect, and water-proof gasket-sealed system. Further, the housing comprises a motion-operated sensor mounted near the opening to the housing. The sensor recognizes the approach of a user's hand and acts to open the cover for use. Further, size and configuration details of the housing would vary according to application, but examples include gas pump handles, public bathroom stall handles, public hand dryers, light switches, residential and commercial entryways, and exits, appliances, vehicle handles, etc.