UV Sterilizing Mat with Total Internal Reflection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for eliminating pathogens from footwear and surfaces are inefficient, as traditional door mats fail to remove pathogens, disposable booties are impractical in public areas, and UV-C light sanitizing devices are bulky, costly, and difficult to operate effectively.
Innovation Solution
A sterilizing device in the form of a floor mat that emits UV light upon downward pressure, utilizing a support member with UV light emitting members and a translucent substrate for total internal reflection, allowing UV light to be emitted through the substrate when contacted, providing a practical and efficient method for pathogen elimination.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If traditional door mats are used to clean shoe bottoms, then dirt removal is achieved, but pathogen elimination is not accomplished and the mat becomes an incubator for germs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical cleaning action of traditional door mats with a UV-C light-based sterilization system. The mat incorporates UV-C emitting diodes that activate upon detecting weight (someone stepping on the mat), emitting ultraviolet light to destroy pathogens on shoe soles and the mat surface itself, eliminating both dirt and germ incubation problems
Solution Approach 2:
The mat automatically activates its UV-C sterilization function when weight is detected on its surface. The system self-regulates by turning on the UV-C lights only when needed (when someone steps on it) and turning off when no weight is present, eliminating the need for manual operation while continuously providing pathogen elimination and preventing germ incubation
2Object-affected harmful factors
If disposable booties or shoe covers are used, then pathogen transfer is reduced, but they are impractical in public areas due to safety concerns and user reluctance
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical barrier approach of disposable booties with a UV-C light sterilization field. Instead of requiring users to wear cumbersome covers, the mat emits ultraviolet light that penetrates and destroys pathogens on shoe soles, achieving pathogen transfer reduction without compromising user acceptance or safety
Solution Approach 2:
The patent eliminates the need for disposable booties by using a reusable UV-C sterilization system. The mat provides continuous pathogen elimination without requiring single-use barriers, reducing waste and improving user convenience while maintaining effectiveness in reducing pathogen transfer
3Object-affected harmful factors
If UV-C light bulbs are used for sanitizing footwear, then pathogen destruction is achieved, but the devices become bulky, costly, and difficult to operate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the physical parameters of the UV-C light source by replacing traditional bulky UV-C light bulbs with UV-C emitting diodes. These diodes operate at lower voltages, generate less heat, and can be arranged in compact arrays within the mat structure, achieving pathogen destruction while dramatically reducing device size, cost, and operational complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses a thin, flexible mat structure that incorporates UV-C emitting diodes directly into the mat layers. This thin-film approach allows the sterilization function to be integrated into a flat, lightweight mat that is easy to install and operate, eliminating the need for bulky housings and complex mounting structures required by traditional UV-C bulb systems
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 effectively sterilizes footwear and surfaces by emitting UV light when stepped upon, offering a practical and efficient solution for reducing microbial contamination in high-traffic areas without the drawbacks of existing technologies.
Implementation Method 1
the support member is configured for total internal reflection of UV light from the UV light emitting members
Implementation Method 2
emit ultraviolet light incident upon the bottoms of feet and shoes
Implementation Method 3
destroy pathogens that may be associated therewith
Implementation Method 4
the contact between the lower surface of the translucent substrate and the support member breaks the total internal reflection in the area of contact such that UV light is emitted through the translucent substrate
Data Source
AI summary
Sterilizing devices, preferably foot mats, comprise: a support member having an arrangement structure and a plurality of UV light emitting members, where the support member is configured for total internal reflection of UV light from the UV light emitting members; a power source providing power to the plurality of UV light emitting members; and a translucent substrate having an upper surface and a lower surface; wherein the translucent substrate is disposed above the support member such that the lower surface of the translucent substrate can be brought into contact with an upper region of the support member when a downward force is applied to the upper surface of the translucent substrate; and wherein the contact between the lower surface of the translucent substrate and the support member breaks the total internal reflection in the area of contact such that UV light is emitted through the translucent substrate.