In-Vehicle UV Sterilization with Door Lock Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing in-vehicle sterilization systems using UV LEDs lack automated control and safety features to prevent direct exposure of UV radiation to humans, and they do not efficiently sterilize the vehicle interior in various conditions.
Innovation Solution
An in-vehicle sterilization system with UV LEDs, processors, and sensors that determine operation times, modes, and safety protocols, including communication with a remote terminal for controlled operation, and detection of children or pets to prevent exposure, along with a UV reflector for uniform radiation distribution.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If UV radiation is projected for sterilization, then sterilization power is improved (99.9% in 20 seconds), but harmful effects to human bodies occur when directly projected
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs sterilization before the driver enters the vehicle. The processor detects when the vehicle door is locked and automatically activates the UV LED sterilizer to sterilize the interior beforehand, then deactivates it before door unlocking, preventing human exposure while ensuring sterilization effectiveness
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses door lock status as feedback to control UV LED operation. When the door is locked, the sterilizer activates; when the door unlock signal is detected, the sterilizer deactivates immediately, creating a closed-loop control system that prevents harmful exposure while maintaining sterilization power
2Reliability
If automated control is added to determine operation time and safety protocols, then safety is improved by preventing direct UV exposure to humans, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The UV LED sterilizer is integrated with the vehicle's existing door lock system and processor. The sterilizer shares the processor with other vehicle control functions and uses the door lock mechanism as both a security feature and a sterilization control trigger, reducing overall system complexity while adding safety automation
Solution Approach 2:
The door lock system serves dual purposes: traditional vehicle security and sterilization control trigger. The processor handles both security functions and sterilization timing, and the UV LED assembly integrates with the vehicle's existing lighting or interior components, allowing one system to perform multiple functions without proportionally increasing complexity
3Reliability
If multiple sterilizing components are used for thorough disinfection, then sterilization coverage is improved, but device complexity and energy consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The sterilization system is divided into multiple UV LED modules distributed at different locations within the vehicle interior (dashboard, door panels, ceiling). Each module sterilizes a specific zone, and the processor can activate individual modules or groups based on detected soiling levels or predefined schedules, providing thorough coverage while maintaining modular simplicity
4Ease of operation
If UV LEDs are activated automatically based on door lock status, then ease of operation is improved, but energy consumption increases due to extended operation time
Solution Approach 1:
The UV LED sterilizer operates periodically rather than continuously. The processor activates the sterilizer for predetermined time intervals (e.g., 10-30 minutes) based on door lock duration, then deactivates it. This periodic operation provides thorough sterilization over time while significantly reducing energy consumption compared to continuous operation
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 sterilizes the vehicle interior while ensuring safety by controlling UV exposure and adapting to different conditions, preventing direct radiation to humans and ensuring thorough disinfection.
Implementation Method 1
one or more ultraviolet (UV) light-emitting diodes (LEDs)
Implementation Method 2
a UV reflector disposed below the UV mounting panel and at a predetermined distance from the housing such that the UV radiation generated by the UV LEDs is projected outward
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed is an in-vehicle sterilization system. The system includes a sterilizer that includes one or more ultraviolet (UV) light-emitting diodes (LEDs). The system also includes processors that determine a time point at which the sterilizer is to be operated, and control operation of the sterilizer according to a result of the determination.