UVC Sanitizing Device with Spring-Loaded Mask Tensioning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing UVC sanitation devices are not designed to effectively disinfect the entirety of a face mask's surface, leading to potential 'dead zones' where viruses and bacteria may remain active, and they often require complex and energy-intensive methods or fail to disinfect the outer case.
Innovation Solution
A portable sanitizing device using UVC LEDs configured in a specific pattern and beam angle to ensure complete irradiation of a face mask's surfaces, coupled with a UV-resistant face mask and optional attachments for sanitizing other high-touch items.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a 360 degree UVC sanitation device is used, then the device can sanitize multiple surfaces, but it cannot guarantee complete disinfection of the mask surface due to folding creating dead zones
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs dynamic spring-loaded arms that automatically adjust and apply tension to the mask during the sanitization process. These arms move and adapt their position based on the mask's placement, ensuring continuous contact and preventing folding that would create dead zones, thereby resolving the contradiction between versatile sanitization and reliable complete disinfection.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the physical state of the mask by applying mechanical tension through spring-loaded arms, transforming it from a folded/loose state to a stretched/taut state. This parameter change (from relaxed to tensioned) ensures the mask surface remains flat and accessible to UVC light, eliminating dead zones while maintaining versatile sanitization capability.
2Reliability
If gaseous or liquid substances are used for sanitization, then the device can effectively disinfect, but the device complexity and size increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex chemical or thermal sanitation systems with a simpler mechanical tensioning system using spring-loaded arms. This mechanical approach physically stretches the mask to eliminate dead zones, working in conjunction with UVC light, thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining disinfection effectiveness.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts and eliminates the need for complex gaseous or liquid sanitation mechanisms by using a purely mechanical tensioning system combined with UVC irradiation. This extraction of unnecessary complexity components simplifies the device while achieving the same disinfection goal.
3Reliability
If heating elements are used for sanitization, then the device can effectively disinfect, but energy consumption increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces energy-intensive thermal heating elements with a mechanical spring-loaded tensioning system. This mechanical system consumes minimal energy while effectively preventing mask folding, allowing UVC light to efficiently disinfect the entire mask surface without the high energy costs of heating.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the sanitation approach from thermal (high energy) to mechanical (low energy) by using spring-loaded arms to physically stretch the mask. This parameter change in the sanitation mechanism's operating mode dramatically reduces energy consumption while maintaining disinfection effectiveness.
4Device complexity
If the mask is allowed to fold naturally, then the device structure remains simple, but dead zones are created where viruses and bacteria remain active
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a self-service mechanism where spring-loaded arms automatically detect and correct mask folding by applying tension. The system serves itself by using the spring's inherent elastic potential energy to maintain mask tension without requiring external control or complex mechanisms, thus maintaining structural simplicity while ensuring disinfection completeness.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces dynamic spring-loaded arms that automatically adjust to mask placement and continuously apply tension to prevent folding. This dynamic element adds minimal structural complexity while effectively eliminating dead zones, resolving the contradiction between device simplicity and disinfection reliability.
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 ensures thorough disinfection of face masks by preventing folds and ensuring maximum surface exposure to UVC light, while also providing effective antimicrobial protection and reducing the risk of spreading bacteria.
Implementation Method 1
portable, rechargeable, sanitation device that easily disinfects masks by inactivating viruses and bacteria present on the face mask's surface via exposure to UVC light
Implementation Method 2
disinfects masks by inactivating viruses and bacteria present on the face mask's surface via exposure to UVC light
Implementation Method 3
the elastic tension of the spring-loaded mechanism biases the ear loop fastening elements towards the first position
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention is directed to a portable, rechargeable, sanitation device that easily disinfects masks, as well as other items, by inactivating viruses and bacteria present on the mask's surface via exposure to UVC light. This sterilization device is composed of a mechanical case to storing the mask, a novel fastening device to ensure mask is properly secured in place for maximum sanitation effect, an optical component consisting of multiple UVC LEDs, a rechargeable power source, and a visual display that indicates the sanitation and lighting status of the device. This device will encourage adoption of reusable masks as opposed to one-time use, reducing costs of purchasing multiple masks as well environmental impact produced by single use waste. The device will ensure an easy solution for proper and frequent sanitation of face masks, meeting current CDC guidelines. Kits comprising the device and one or more attachment or mounting apparatus are also provided herein.