UVC Disinfection Device with Integrated Shield
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing disinfection devices lack efficiency and safety in operation, particularly in high-touch areas like elevator buttons and vehicle controls, where effective disinfection is needed without exposing users to ultraviolet C (UVC) radiation.
Innovation Solution
A disinfection device comprising a housing with a UVC-emitting semiconductor chip, a security sensor, and a radiation shield, which is designed to be attached over buttons, ensuring UVC radiation is contained and only exposed for short intervals to disinfect high-touch surfaces efficiently.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If UVC radiation is emitted continuously for effective disinfection, then disinfection effectiveness is improved, but user safety deteriorates due to exposure risk
Solution Approach 1:
The semiconductor chip is configured to emit UVC radiation only in short time intervals (e.g., 1-10 seconds) rather than continuously. The control unit activates the chip periodically, allowing sufficient disinfection while minimizing user exposure risk. This periodic operation mode resolves the contradiction by providing effective disinfection over time while keeping instantaneous UVC exposure levels safe for users.
Solution Approach 2:
The housing body with integrated radiation shield acts as an intermediary that contains and directs UVC radiation. The shield prevents UVC from reaching users while allowing the semiconductor chip to emit sufficient radiation for disinfection. This intermediary structure enables effective disinfection to be achieved without direct user exposure to harmful UVC levels.
2Productivity
If high optical output power is used for rapid disinfection, then disinfection speed is improved, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses short, intense bursts of UVC radiation (high power for 1-10 seconds) rather than continuous low-power emission. This periodic high-power operation achieves rapid disinfection during each burst while the overall energy consumption remains low due to the brief duration of activation. The control unit optimizes the balance between peak power and duty cycle to minimize energy use while maintaining disinfection effectiveness.
Solution Approach 2:
The semiconductor chip is positioned close to the surface to be disinfected, and the housing is designed to concentrate UVC radiation onto the target area. This preliminary arrangement of components ensures that when the chip is activated, the radiation is already optimally positioned for rapid disinfection, reducing the need for high energy consumption over extended periods.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If the housing structure is made complex to contain UVC radiation, then radiation containment is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The radiation shield is merged with the housing body into a single integrated component rather than being a separate element. This integration maintains effective UVC radiation containment while reducing the overall number of parts and simplifying the housing structure. The combined design achieves the same radiation containment function with fewer components, resolving the contradiction between containment effectiveness and structural complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The housing body serves multiple functions: it provides mechanical protection for the semiconductor chip, structures the opening for user access, and simultaneously acts as the radiation shield through its material composition and geometry. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional specialized components, simplifying the overall device structure while maintaining effective UVC containment.
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 achieves effective disinfection of high-touch surfaces with minimal exposure to UVC radiation, ensuring safety and energy efficiency, while being easily installable and replaceable in various settings.
Implementation Method 1
a semiconductor chip (2) located in the housing body (50) and configured to emit ultraviolet C radiation
Implementation Method 2
the housing body (50) forms a radiation shield (3) preventing the ultraviolet C radiation from leaving the disinfection device (1)
Data Source
AI summary
In at least one embodiment, the disinfection device comprises: —a housing body, —a semiconductor chip located in the housing body and configured to emit ultraviolet C radiation (UVC), and—a security sensor located in the housing body, wherein—the housing body forms a radiation shield preventing the ultraviolet C radiation (UVC) from leaving the disinfection device, —the housing body comprises an opening configured for actuating a button by a user, to actuate the button the user has to grasp into the opening, —the semiconductor chip is configured to irradiate at least part of the opening and/or the button, and—the disinfection device is configured as an attachment device to be disposed over the button.