Vehicle Cabin UV-C Sanitization With Occupant Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current disinfection methods for vehicle cabin surfaces and air are laborious, time-consuming, costly, and only effective if every inch of exposed surfaces is disinfected, while also being difficult to disinfect the circulated air, leading to contamination and disease proliferation.
Innovation Solution
A system and method for treating a vehicle with radiation, comprising a being detection system, one or more sanitizing lights, a surface tinting means, and a processor, which detects the presence of beings, adjusts window tinting, and emits sanitizing radiation to disinfect surfaces and air, while ensuring safety by using safe UV-C radiation when beings are present.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If current disinfection methods (wipes and surface cleaners) are used, then surfaces can be disinfected, but the process is laborious, time consuming, and costly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical disinfection (wiping and cleaning) with an automated electromagnetic radiation system. UV-C LEDs and other radiation sources are positioned to automatically disinfect surfaces and air without human intervention, eliminating the laborious manual process while maintaining disinfection effectiveness.
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables self-service disinfection by integrating radiation sources directly into the vehicle environment. The disinfection process occurs automatically through scheduled cycles or triggered events (such as door closure), allowing the vehicle to disinfect itself without external human effort.
2Reliability
If manual surface disinfection is performed, then surfaces can be treated, but every inch must be covered making it time consuming and costly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual surface-by-surface disinfection with electromagnetic radiation that naturally propagates through space. UV-C LEDs, UV-C lamps, and other radiation sources emit energy that covers entire surfaces and air volumes simultaneously, achieving complete coverage without the need to manually touch every inch.
Solution Approach 2:
The system transitions from two-dimensional surface wiping to three-dimensional radiation coverage. By introducing electromagnetic radiation that travels through air and illuminates surfaces from multiple angles, the system achieves comprehensive disinfection of both surfaces and the air space they occupy, significantly improving efficiency.
3Reliability
If air disinfection is attempted with current methods, then air treatment is possible, but it is difficult to disinfect circulated air effectively
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces ineffective mechanical air treatment with electromagnetic radiation. UV-C LEDs, UV-C lamps, and other radiation sources are positioned to irradiate air directly, disrupting viruses and bacteria in the air without requiring complex mechanical filtration or chemical treatment systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The radiation-based system provides universal disinfection capability that simultaneously treats both surfaces and air. The same UV-C LEDs or lamps that disinfect surfaces also disinfect the air they illuminate, eliminating the need for separate air treatment mechanisms and simplifying the overall system.
4Reliability
If UV-C radiation is used for disinfection, then effective disinfection is achieved, but harmful radiation may expose beings to unsafe levels
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the wavelength parameter of the radiation source to use safe UV-C wavelengths (200-280nm) that are effective for disinfection but less harmful to human tissue. Additionally, the system controls radiation intensity and exposure duration through automated timing and positioning, ensuring effective disinfection while maintaining safety for occupied vehicles.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses window tinting as an intermediary barrier to block harmful radiation from escaping the vehicle while allowing safe UV-C radiation to disinfect the interior. The tinted windows prevent external harmful UV radiation from entering and contain the disinfection radiation within the vehicle space, protecting occupants and pedestrians.
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 system provides an efficient, automated, and safe method for disinfecting vehicle cabin surfaces and air, reducing the risk of disease transmission by ensuring thorough disinfection without exposing beings to harmful radiation.
Implementation Method 1
one or more sanitizing lights, wherein the system comprises at least a first sanitizing light of a first type positioned to emit sanitizing radiation onto one or more surfaces and air within the at least one enclosed compartment
Implementation Method 2
the surface tinting means adjusts the window tinting between a safe shade and an unsafe shade, wherein the safe shade prevents harmful radiation from passing through the window(s)
Data Source
AI summary
The disclosure relates to systems and methods for treating a vehicle with radiation. The system generally comprises a being detection system, one or more sanitizing lights, a surface tinting means, and at least one processor. Sanitizing radiation is emitted onto one or more surfaces of the vehicle, as well as the air of the vehicle to sanitize the vehicle. The processor allows and being detection system allow for safe sanitizations to be conducted inside the vehicle. The vehicle may be treated with safe UV-C light and/or unsafe UV-C light, depending on the presence of beings in the vehicle.