Sterilizing apparatus for input devices of computers

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods for sanitizing input devices, such as keyboards and mice, using liquid cleaners are inefficient, potentially damaging, and environmentally unfriendly, as they may not reach all surfaces and can lead to incomplete disinfection and generate solid waste.

Innovation Solution

A sterilizing apparatus with a housing and drawer system that uses ultraviolet (UV) lights to sanitize input devices, featuring a rotary mechanism, cam and lever mechanism, and sensors to ensure thorough UV exposure for a predetermined time, while being designed to prevent UV radiation leakage and protect the user and environment.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If liquid cleaners are used to sanitize input devices, then sanitization is performed, but the electronic equipment may be damaged and electrical short circuits may occur

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesanitization effectivenessVSAvoiddamage to electronic equipment

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces liquid-based mechanical cleaning with UV radiation for sanitization. The UV sterilizing apparatus uses ultraviolet light to kill bacteria and germs on input devices without requiring liquid contact, thereby eliminating the risk of electrical short circuits and damage to electronic components while maintaining effective sanitization.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the sanitization method from chemical (liquid cleaners) to physical (UV radiation). By using UV-C wavelength radiation, the system achieves effective germicidal action without the harmful effects of liquids on electronic equipment, thus resolving the contradiction between sanitization effectiveness and equipment safety.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Reliability

If liquid cleaners are used to sanitize input devices, then sanitization is performed, but incomplete sanitization occurs due to inability to access all surfaces

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesanitization completenessVSAvoidaccess to all surfaces

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces manual mechanical wiping with UV radiation that can penetrate and reach all surfaces of the input devices uniformly. The UV lights are positioned to illuminate all areas including hard-to-reach surfaces, ensuring complete sanitization without requiring manual dexterity or complex cleaning maneuvers.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Reliability

If liquid cleaners are used to sanitize input devices, then sanitization is performed, but solid waste is generated which is environmentally unfriendly

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesanitization effectivenessVSAvoidsolid waste from liquid cleaners

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The patent substitutes chemical liquid cleaners with physical UV radiation, eliminating the need for consumable cleaning agents. This substitution prevents the generation of solid waste from used liquid cleaners, making the sanitization process environmentally friendly while maintaining effective germicidal action.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The UV sterilizing apparatus performs sanitization autonomously without requiring consumable materials. The UV lights automatically kill bacteria and germs when activated, eliminating the need for liquid cleaners that would otherwise become waste after use, thus achieving self-service sanitization with zero material waste.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

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 UV-based sterilizing apparatus effectively kills germs and bacteria on input devices without damaging them, ensuring complete sanitization and reducing environmental impact by eliminating the need for liquid cleaners and their waste.

Implementation Method 1

A plurality of ultraviolet (UV) lights is mounted within the housing. The plurality of UV lights is configured to emit UV radiation for a pre-determined time for sterilizing the input devices resting on the drawer.

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectUV radiation: Radiation

Data Source

PatentUS11690926B2Sterilizing apparatus for input devices of computers

Publication Date: 2023.07.04 LICISYN THOMAS A

AI summary

Embodiments of the present disclosure provide a sterilization apparatus. The sterilization apparatus includes a housing. A drawer is slidably secured to the housing and adapted to receive input devices. The drawer is configured to operate between a retracted position, an intermediate position and an extended position. A plurality of ultraviolet (UV) lights is mounted within the housing and configured to emit UV radiation for a pre-determined time for sterilizing the input devices. A closure member is movably coupled to the housing. The closure member is operated between an open position and a closed position by manually applying force on the closure member, thereby causing the closure member to be pushed down by a distance within the housing. The closure member pushed down within the housing collectively operates a hinge mechanism, a cam and lever mechanism and a rotary mechanism, thereby configuring the closure member to the open and position positions.