UV-C Menstrual Cup Sanitizer With PTFE Reflectors
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Solution Overview
Problem
There is a need for a reliable and effective sanitizing device for menstrual cups, as traditional cleaning methods may not be available or sufficient, and existing sanitizing devices are not specifically designed for this purpose.
Innovation Solution
A sanitizing device utilizing UV-C LEDs and reflective PTFE, with a configuration suitable for menstrual cups, including a top and bottom reflector member made of PTFE, a quartz glass member for supporting the cup, and a mechanism to ensure proper sealing and activation, ensuring thorough disinfection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional cleaning methods (soap and water, boiling water) are used to sanitize menstrual cups, then the cup can be cleaned, but the cleaning effectiveness is insufficient when appropriate cleansers are not available
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual cleaning methods (mechanical washing with soap and water) with a UV-C LED-based sanitizing device that uses ultraviolet light for disinfection. This substitution provides reliable sanitizing effectiveness without requiring traditional cleansers or boiling water, solving the problem of insufficient cleaning effectiveness when appropriate cleaning methods are unavailable.
2Reliability
If UV-C LEDs are used to sanitize menstrual cups, then sanitizing effectiveness is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The device is divided into distinct functional components: UV-C LED members for sanitizing, PTFE reflector members for light distribution, a quartz glass member for supporting the cup, a battery member for power, and a control circuit board. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function efficiently while making the overall device manageable and manufacturable despite the complexity introduced by multiple components.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses thin PTFE (polytetrafluoroethylene) reflector members that are lightweight and can be formed into specific shapes to optimize UV-C light reflection. These thin-film reflectors achieve effective light distribution without adding significant weight or complexity to the device structure, helping to balance sanitizing effectiveness with device simplicity.
3Illumination intensity
If PTFE reflector members are used to distribute UV-C light, then light distribution is improved, but manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The PTFE reflector members are designed and positioned to create a uniform UV-C light distribution field throughout the sanitizing chamber. By carefully configuring the reflector surfaces and angles, the device achieves equipotential light distribution where all areas of the menstrual cup receive adequate UV-C exposure, optimizing sanitizing effectiveness while the modular design helps manage manufacturing precision requirements.
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 prolongs the life of menstrual cups and ensures vaginal health by thoroughly sanitizing all surfaces of the cup, while being easy to use and maintain.
Implementation Method 1
The sanitizing device includes a plurality of LED members, such as UV-C LED members
Implementation Method 2
a top reflector member positioned within the top member and a bottom reflector member positioned within the bottom member where a surface of each of the top and bottom reflector members is covered with a PTFE or e-PTFE coating
Implementation Method 3
a quartz glass member positioned within the bottom reflector member above the LED member(s) for supporting a personal use item, such as a menstrual cup, during sanitization
Data Source
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AI summary
A sanitizing device particularly suitable for sanitizing personal use items such as a menstrual cup. The sanitizing device includes top and bottom half members, top and bottom reflective members positioned within the top and bottom half members, respectively, and a planar quartz glass member to ensure that all interior and exterior surfaces of the menstrual cup are adequately exposed to UVC light to achieve sanitization.