Shoe Sole UV Sanitizer With Shielded Apertures and Size Shutters
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Solution Overview
Problem
Biocontamination and cross-contamination pose a significant threat to human and pet health due to the spread of microbial pathogens through contaminated shoe soles, which existing sanitizing devices have not effectively addressed, particularly in high-risk areas like healthcare settings and public spaces.
Innovation Solution
A shoe sole sanitizer utilizing UVC radiation and/or advanced oxidation systems, housed in a design with opaque bottom and side portions and apertures shaped to target shoe sole surfaces, featuring adjustable UV exposure and protrusions to enhance germicidal energy distribution, along with optional advanced oxidation and safety features like sensors and timers.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If UV radiation sources are used to sanitize shoe soles, then microbial pathogens are killed or inactivated, but UV radiation can harm human skin and eyes if exposed directly
Solution Approach 1:
The UV radiation source is segmented into multiple UV bulbs arranged in an array, with each bulb targeting specific areas of the shoe sole. The housing is also segmented with multiple apertures positioned to direct UV radiation onto different portions of the sole, allowing comprehensive coverage while containing the radiation within the device structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The housing structure acts as an intermediary that contains and directs UV radiation. Apertures in the housing serve as controlled openings that allow UV radiation to escape only in predetermined directions toward the shoe sole, preventing direct exposure to users while maintaining sanitizing effectiveness.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the UV housing has a fixed aperture design, then the structure is simple, but it cannot accommodate different shoe sole sizes and shapes
Solution Approach 1:
The aperture structure is segmented into multiple openings arranged in patterns that correspond to different shoe sole sizes and shapes. This segmentation allows the housing to accommodate various shoe types without requiring a completely different design for each size, balancing adaptability with structural simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
The aperture array is designed to serve multiple functions: it contains UV radiation, directs radiation onto different portions of the shoe sole, and accommodates various shoe sole sizes and shapes. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional components while achieving adaptability.
3Area of stationary object
If multiple UV bulbs are used to cover entire shoe sole surfaces, then sanitizing coverage is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The UV radiation source is divided into multiple bulbs arranged in an array, with each bulb covering a specific portion of the shoe sole. This segmentation allows comprehensive coverage of the entire sole surface while using simple, individual bulb components rather than a single complex radiation source.
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple UV bulbs are combined in an array configuration within a single housing structure. This merging of multiple simple components achieves comprehensive coverage without the complexity of a single sophisticated radiation source, while the bulbs work together as an integrated 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
Effectively kills or inactivates microbial pathogens on shoe sole surfaces, reducing the risk of biocontamination while ensuring user safety through controlled UV exposure and adjustable design for various shoe sizes and styles, meeting regulatory safety standards.
Implementation Method 1
a shoe sole sanitizer utilizing ultraviolet radiation and/or advanced oxidation to kill or inactivate microbial pathogens
Implementation Method 2
a shoe sole sanitizer utilizing ultraviolet radiation and/or advanced oxidation to kill or inactivate microbial pathogens
Data Source
AI summary
The shoe sole sanitizer provides a UV radiation emitting system that kills microbial pathogens deposited on shoe sole surfaces. The system includes a housing containing at least one UV radiation source. Bottom and side portions of the housing are opaque to provide a UV shield while directing the UV upward towards a top housing portion. The top housing portion has a plurality of holes forming an approximate shape of two shoe sole bottoms. The holes allow the UV radiation to escape the housing and target sole surfaces disposed on and over the exterior of the housing top. Each shoe sole approximation area has a pivotal tang that extends therefrom. Shutters attached internally to the tangs extend or limit UV exposure from the top surface depending on the size of the sole disposed on the top. The system is powered by standard AC electrical power or battery sources.