UVC Elevator Button Assembly With IR Exposure Cutoff
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing UVC lamp systems for surface disinfection pose risks of human exposure to harmful radiation and are inefficient when used near humans, and chemical disinfection methods are time-consuming and labor-intensive.
Innovation Solution
A compact, portable UVC LED sterilization device with infrared sensors that activate and deactivate UVC bulbs based on human proximity, minimizing exposure time and ensuring effective disinfection of touched surfaces.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If UVC lamp systems are used for surface disinfection, then disinfection effectiveness is improved, but human exposure to harmful radiation increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system employs infrared sensors to detect human presence and provides real-time feedback to the control unit. When humans are detected within a predetermined distance, the control unit automatically deactivates the UVC bulbs. This feedback mechanism ensures disinfection effectiveness when surfaces are contaminated while preventing harmful human exposure to radiation.
Solution Approach 2:
Infrared sensors act as an intermediary between the UVC disinfection system and human users. The sensors detect human presence and transmit this information to the control unit, which then mediates the activation or deactivation of UVC bulbs accordingly. This intermediary mechanism resolves the contradiction by enabling automated safety control.
2Area of stationary object
If UVC lamp systems are used near humans, then disinfection coverage is improved, but exposure time increases causing harmful effects
Solution Approach 1:
The infrared sensors continuously monitor for human presence and provide feedback to the control unit. When humans are detected, the system immediately deactivates the UVC bulbs, limiting exposure time to minimal levels. This feedback-based control allows the system to provide comprehensive disinfection coverage when needed while automatically preventing prolonged human exposure.
3Reliability
If chemical disinfection methods are used, then disinfection effectiveness is improved, but time consumption and labor requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The UVC sterilization device operates autonomously without requiring human intervention for application or monitoring. The infrared sensors automatically detect human presence, the control unit manages bulb activation/deactivation, and the system provides continuous disinfection coverage. This self-service capability eliminates the time-consuming and labor-intensive steps associated with chemical disinfection while maintaining high disinfection effectiveness.
Solution Approach 2:
The system replaces manual chemical disinfection processes with an automated UVC lighting system. Instead of requiring personnel to physically apply and monitor chemical agents, the UVC bulbs provide continuous automated disinfection, controlled by infrared sensors and a microcontroller. This substitution dramatically reduces time consumption and labor requirements while maintaining or improving disinfection effectiveness.
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 efficiently disinfects surfaces by controlling UVC exposure time and power, reducing human radiation risks and enhancing safety while effectively killing 99.9% of viruses and bacteria.
Implementation Method 1
an infrared sensor (3) configured to provide a data signal when human contact of the selected surface is detected
Implementation Method 2
a UVC-LED bulb (2) located within the housing and configured to emit light at wavelengths of 200-280nm
Implementation Method 3
Ultraviolet radiation, specifically the wavelength of about 100-280 nm (Ultraviolet C or 'UVC'), is commonly used to kill microorganisms in the air
Data Source
AI summary
A new UVC sterilization device for elevator buttons, which comprises of several UVC LEDs on an enclosed polymer body, equipped with an infrared sensor to provide signals when an object comes within a certain distance, along with a controller printed circuit board that drives the unit by providing a constant current for the disinfection LEDs, as well as a battery. The infrared sensor is connected with the MCU control unit in the main body through the infrared detection unit. The MCU control unit is connected with the LEDs through the LED control unit. The main body is mounted on the elevator wall by two brackets. These brackets mechanically hold the main body in place and align the LED rays towards the buttons. The product is small and compact, easy to carry and install, and proven to be effective against microbes which would ultimately reduce bacterial and virus transmissions.