UV Sterilization Module with Hinge Shielding for Portable Electronics
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing portable electronic devices require manual wiping with disinfectants, which can damage the devices and pose health risks due to residual chemicals, and are inconvenient for use outside.
Innovation Solution
A portable electronic device with automatic sterilization and disinfection functions, featuring a sterilization module, control unit, sensor unit, and shielding module that activates UV light for disinfection when the device is closed and blocks it when unfolded, preventing light leakage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If manual wiping with disinfectant is used, then cleaning function is achieved, but device surface may be damaged and health risks arise from residual chemicals
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical wiping system with chemical disinfectants with a UV light-based sterilization system. The UV sterilization module emits ultraviolet light to kill bacteria and viruses on the device surface without requiring physical contact or chemical residues, thus eliminating the risk of surface damage and health hazards from disinfectant residues.
Solution Approach 2:
The device performs self-sterilization through the integrated UV sterilization module. When the device is closed, the sensor detects the closed state and automatically activates the UV light to sterilize the surfaces, enabling the device to clean itself without external intervention.
2Reliability
If manual cleaning preparation is required, then cleaning can be performed, but convenience is reduced when device is carried outside
Solution Approach 1:
The device incorporates a self-sterilization function through the UV sterilization module that automatically activates when the device is closed. This eliminates the need for users to carry separate cleaning supplies or prepare disinfectants when traveling, as the device cleans itself autonomously.
Solution Approach 2:
The portable electronic device integrates multiple functions including computing, communication, and sterilization into a single unit. The UV sterilization module serves as an additional function that enhances the device's versatility, allowing it to perform both its primary electronic functions and self-cleaning without requiring separate devices or supplies.
3Reliability
If UV light is emitted for sterilization, then disinfection is achieved, but UV light leakage may cause harm to humans
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a shielding module as an intermediary between the UV sterilization module and the external environment. This shielding module with light-passable openings acts as a mediator that allows UV light to reach the device surfaces for sterilization while blocking UV light from leaking outward and exposing humans to harmful radiation.
Solution Approach 2:
The sensor unit provides feedback about the device's closed or unfolded state to the control unit. When the device is closed, the sensor detects this state and the control unit activates the UV sterilization module. When the device is unfolded, the sensor detects the change and the control unit shuts down the UV module, creating a feedback control system that prevents UV leakage.
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 automatically sterilizes and disinfects surfaces without manual intervention, ensuring safety by blocking UV light when not in use and preventing damage to humans or the device.
Implementation Method 1
The sterilization module is suitable for generating at least one light for sterilization and disinfection
Implementation Method 2
The shielding module is disposed on the hinge mechanism and can move relative to the hinge mechanism... driving the shielding module to move to a second position to block at least one optical path of the sterilization module
Data Source
AI summary
A portable electronic device including a first body, a second body, a hinge mechanism, a control unit, a sensor unit, a sterilization module, and a shielding module, is provided. The first body has a first inner surface. The second body has a second inner surface. The hinge mechanism is connected between the first body and the second body. The control unit is disposed in the first body or the second body. The sensor unit is disposed in the first body or the second body and coupled to the control unit. The sterilization module is disposed at the hinge mechanism and coupled to the control unit, the sterilization module is configured to generate light for sterilization and disinfection. The shielding module is disposed on the hinge mechanism and the shielding module can move relative to the hinge mechanism.