Vacuum Cleaner Far-UVC Decontamination for Microbial Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Floor care devices, particularly those used in dirty environments, accumulate microbial contamination, posing a health risk to users due to the accumulation of bacteria and other microbes on parts that come into contact with surfaces and are frequently touched, such as filters, handles, and dust bins.
Innovation Solution
A method involving a decontamination program that uses light with a wavelength of 222 nm, specifically within the far-UVC spectrum, to effectively kill microbes on susceptible parts of the device without damaging materials or posing harm to humans, allowing for indirect irradiation and selective illumination of contaminated areas.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional UV light is used for decontamination, then microbial killing effectiveness is improved, but material damage and human harm occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the wavelength parameter of UV light from traditional broad-spectrum UV (100-400nm) to specific far-UVC wavelength of 222nm. This parameter change maintains the microbial killing effectiveness while eliminating the harmful effects on materials and human skin/eyes, as 222nm light is absorbed by atmospheric moisture and does not penetrate biological tissue or damage most materials.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies different wavelengths of light to different requirements: 222nm far-UVC is used for decontamination where material safety and human safety are concerns, while acknowledging that other wavelengths may be used where direct exposure is controlled. This local quality approach tailors the light properties to the specific application needs.
2Measurement precision
If direct line of sight illumination is used, then decontamination precision is improved, but coverage of complex surfaces is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from direct line-of-sight illumination (2D surface coverage) to volumetric irradiation by utilizing the scattering properties of 222nm light in air. The light scatters off atmospheric molecules and particles, filling the three-dimensional space around the device, thereby illuminating surfaces that are not directly visible to the light source, including hidden corners and crevices.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses atmospheric moisture and air molecules as an intermediary medium to transmit and scatter the 222nm light. This intermediary enables indirect illumination of surfaces without requiring direct line of sight, as the light scatters through the air medium to reach hidden areas.
3Reliability
If comprehensive illumination of all parts is used, then decontamination completeness is improved, but energy consumption and time are increased
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs the natural scattering property of 222nm light in the atmosphere as a self-service mechanism. The light automatically scatters throughout the available space without requiring complex reflection surfaces, rotating components, or multiple light sources strategically positioned. This self-scattering behavior ensures comprehensive coverage of all surfaces including hidden areas, maintaining decontamination completeness while minimizing system complexity and time 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 use of 222 nm light ensures a less time-consuming and effective decontamination process, reducing the risk of microbial transmission to users, as it is non-damaging to device materials and does not require a direct line of sight, making it suitable for various parts of floor care devices, including rotatable components and user-contact areas.
Implementation Method 1
Light of these wavelengths is known to be very effective in killing any microbes that may have accumulated on the illuminated surfaces
Data Source
AI summary
A method, and a floor care device (100, 200) are provided for allowing decontaminating parts of a floor care device. The floor care device comprises at least one part (110, 210) that is susceptible to contamination when the floor care device is used in a floor care mode. The method may comprise detecting a transition of the floor care device to a park mode, and in response thereto, executing a decontamination program, the decontamination program including emitting light with a wavelength of 222 nm and thereby illuminating the at least one part for the decontamination thereof.