Vehicle Storage Compartment UV Sterilization Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing sterilization systems for vehicles are not designed to efficiently sterilize storage compartments with ultraviolet light while preventing exposure to occupants and ensuring energy efficiency, and they often stop operation due to vehicle movement or voltage fluctuations.
Innovation Solution
A sterilization system with a UV lamp module, sensor, and controller that automatically turns on and off based on the storage compartment's state and voltage levels, providing visual feedback and adjusting operation duration to prevent unnecessary UV exposure and optimize energy use.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the sterilization system uses ultraviolet light to sterilize the storage compartment, then sterilization effectiveness is improved, but the risk of vehicle occupant exposure to ultraviolet increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs sterilization before the occupant may be exposed to UV. The controller is configured to turn off the lamp before a preset period of time elapses after closing the storage compartment, preventing UV exposure to occupants while maintaining sterilization effectiveness.
Solution Approach 2:
The sensor detects the open/closed state of the storage compartment and provides feedback to the controller, which adjusts lamp operation accordingly. This feedback mechanism ensures the lamp operates only when the compartment is closed and turns off before opening, resolving the contradiction between sterilization effectiveness and UV exposure safety.
2Reliability
If the sterilization system operates continuously to ensure thorough sterilization, then sterilization effectiveness is improved, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses periodic action by operating the lamp only during specific periods when the storage compartment is closed and for a limited duration. The controller turns off the lamp based on counted duration reaching a preset value and when the compartment opens, avoiding continuous operation while maintaining sterilization effectiveness.
Solution Approach 2:
The system automatically controls lamp operation based on sensor feedback without requiring continuous external intervention. The controller self-regulates the lamp based on compartment state and duration, optimizing energy usage while ensuring adequate sterilization.
3Reliability
If the sterilization system is sensitive to vehicle movement to prevent false operation, then operational reliability is improved, but the complexity of detection increases
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor serves multiple functions: detecting compartment open/closed state, determining when to start sterilization, and triggering lamp shutdown. This multi-functionality improves operational reliability without significantly increasing system complexity.
4Speed
If the sterilization system immediately turns on the lamp when the compartment closes, then sterilization speed is improved, but the risk of UV exposure to occupants increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary action by ensuring the compartment is fully closed and secure before activating the UV lamp. The controller waits for the sensor to detect the closed state and then initiates sterilization, ensuring occupant safety while maintaining efficient sterilization speed.
Solution Approach 2:
The sensor provides feedback on compartment state, and the controller uses this feedback to timing the lamp activation. The system confirms closed state detection before starting the lamp, preventing UV exposure while maintaining sterilization speed through immediate activation upon confirmation.
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 effectively sterilizes the storage compartment without exposing occupants to UV, conserves energy, and continues operation despite vehicle movement and voltage fluctuations, ensuring efficient and safe sterilization.
Implementation Method 1
at least one lamp configured to irradiate ultraviolet light to the interior of the storage compartment
Data Source
AI summary
A sterilization system that sterilizes an interior of a storage compartment of a vehicle, including: at least one lamp configured to irradiate ultraviolet light to the interior of the storage compartment, a sensor configured to detect an open or closed state of the storage compartment, and a controller configured to based on the storage compartment being switched from an open state to a closed state in a state where the sterilization system is turned on, turn on the at least one lamp, count a duration for which the at least one lamp is in an ON state, based on the counted duration reaching a preset duration, turn off the at least one lamp, and based on the storage compartment being switched to the open state in a state where the at least one lamp is turned on, turn off the at least one lamp.