UV LED Sterilizing Cover With Leak-Safe Detection Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for sterilizing small devices like earphones, nail clippers, and mobile phones, as well as kitchen sink drains, are cumbersome, inefficient, and can lead to environmental pollution, with UV LED systems lacking effective safety and waterproofing mechanisms.
Innovation Solution
A sterilizing apparatus using UV LEDs with a cover body, detection units, and controllers to ensure safe and efficient UV irradiation only when the device is properly positioned, featuring reflectors for enhanced sterilization and a waterproof design.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If UV LED is used for sterilization, then sterilization effectiveness is improved, but UV light leakage risk increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary anti-action by implementing detection units that detect cover opening/closing states before UV light can leak, and controllers that preemptively control the UV LED to prevent harmful radiation. The detection unit monitors the cover state and the controller stops UV emission when the cover is open, preventing UV leakage before it occurs.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses an intermediary approach by introducing detection units and controllers as mediators between the UV LED and the external environment. The detection unit acts as a sensor intermediary to monitor cover state, and the controller acts as a control intermediary to regulate UV LED operation based on detection signals, thereby preventing direct UV exposure to users.
2Reliability
If waterproof structure is added to protect UV LED, then reliability in wet environments is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies flexible shells and thin films by using a waterproof cover body that forms a sealed enclosure around the UV LED. The cover body acts as a flexible waterproof barrier that protects the internal components from water while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure, avoiding the need for complex multi-layer waterproofing systems.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If detection unit and controller are added for safety control, then UV leakage prevention is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback control by using a detection unit to monitor the cover state and providing feedback signals to the controller. The controller receives real-time information about whether the cover is open or closed and automatically adjusts UV LED operation accordingly, creating a closed-loop safety control system that prevents UV leakage through automatic feedback-based decision making.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies self-service by designing an automatic control system where the detection unit and controller work together to autonomously manage UV LED operation without requiring manual intervention. The system automatically detects cover state changes and self-regulates UV emission, making the safety control process self-operating and reducing the need for complex external control mechanisms.
4Reliability
If reflector is added to enhance sterilization coverage, then sterilization effectiveness is improved, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dimensionality change by using a reflector to redirect UV light in additional spatial dimensions. The reflector bounces UV light that would otherwise be directed away from the sterilization target back onto the target surface, effectively increasing sterilization coverage by utilizing light paths in multiple directions and dimensions without significantly complicating the manufacturing process.
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 apparatus effectively sterilizes small devices and sink drains quickly and safely, reducing UV exposure risks and environmental impact while ensuring thorough coverage and convenient operation.
Implementation Method 1
a UV light emitting diode disposed at a side of the cover body facing the bottom surface and emitting UV light towards the accommodation space
Implementation Method 2
a reflector that reflects UV light emitted from the UV light emitting diode towards the sterilization target region
Data Source
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AI summary
A sterilizing apparatus is disclosed. A sterilizing apparatus according to one embodiment comprises: a cover main body unit having an accommodation space formed therein so as to accommodate a device to be sterilized, wherein the accommodation space is open toward a bottom surface on which the device to be sterilized is disposed; an ultraviolet light emitting diode provided on a surface facing the bottom surface of the cover main body unit, and turned on so as to emit ultraviolet rays toward the accommodation space; a power supply unit for supplying power to the ultraviolet light emitting diode so as to turn on the ultraviolet light emitting diode; and a control unit for controlling an operation of the power supply unit.