Vehicle UV Sanitization Control With Battery-Safe Power Switching
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle sanitization technologies face challenges in maintaining cleanliness without increasing power consumption, risking battery depletion, and ensuring user confidence in cleanliness, especially in shared usage models like car sharing.
Innovation Solution
A vehicular sanitization control device equipped with a rechargeable internal power source, deep ultraviolet LEDs, display lights, and a control unit that switches power sources based on ignition state and user interaction, utilizing solar panels for charging and ensuring efficient sanitization without draining the vehicle's main battery.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If sanitization is performed using ions during vehicle usage, then the vehicle can be sanitized while being used by a user, but the ability to inactivate coronavirus may be poor or sanitization may take time
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the sanitization method from ion-based to deep ultraviolet light-based, altering the fundamental parameter of the sanitization mechanism. Deep ultraviolet light at specific wavelengths (200-280nm) provides both rapid action and proven effectiveness against coronavirus, resolving the contradiction between speed and effectiveness
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the ion-based sanitization system with a deep ultraviolet light-based system. This substitution introduces a different physical mechanism that achieves both rapid sanitization and reliable coronavirus inactivation, simultaneously improving productivity and reliability
2Productivity
If a vehicle sanitizer is operated during parking time, then the vehicle can be sanitized when not in use, but a running out of a battery (a dead battery) of the vehicle may occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the power supply system universal by accepting multiple power sources: the vehicle battery during usage and solar panels during parking. This multi-functionality allows sanitization to occur at any time without risking battery depletion, as the system adapts its power source based on operational context
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements self-service through the solar panel system that automatically charges during parking time without requiring external intervention. The solar panels generate electricity during daytime parking, storing energy in the rechargeable battery for later sanitization operations, enabling the system to sustain itself without draining the vehicle's main battery
3Area of stationary object
If multiple sanitizers are mounted on the vehicle to sanitize every corner, then complete coverage is achieved, but a power consumption increases when these sanitizers are operated at the same time
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the sanitization system into multiple independent deep ultraviolet light sources positioned at different locations within the vehicle. Each light source can be controlled independently, allowing segmented operation that reduces peak power consumption while maintaining complete coverage through sequential or selective activation
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements periodic action by operating multiple sanitizers in sequence or at different times rather than simultaneously. The control unit manages the timing of each deep ultraviolet light source, ensuring complete coverage is achieved through repeated cycles with reduced power demand at any given moment
4Reliability
If deep ultraviolet LEDs are used for sanitization, then effective coronavirus inactivation is achieved, but user awareness of sanitization status is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses color changes in visible light LEDs to communicate the sanitization status to users. Different colors indicate different operational states (e.g., blue for sanitization in progress, green for completion), providing clear visual information without interfering with the invisible deep ultraviolet sanitization process
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces visible light display LEDs as an intermediary between the deep ultraviolet sanitization system and the user. These display LEDs translate the invisible ultraviolet operational status into visible color signals that users can perceive, maintaining information transparency without compromising sanitization 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
Ensures continuous vehicle cleanliness, prevents battery depletion, and provides user visibility into sanitization status, enhancing user confidence and reducing maintenance costs in shared vehicle usage.
Implementation Method 1
a deep ultraviolet light source
Implementation Method 2
a solar panel mounted on the vehicle
Data Source
AI summary
A vehicular sanitization control device includes a rechargeable internal power source, a deep ultraviolet light source, a first display light source configured to display an operating state of the deep ultraviolet light source, a second display light source configured to display a state of charge of the internal power source, and a control unit configured to control a power supplied to the deep ultraviolet light source, a charging operation of the internal power source, and displays of the first display light source and the second display light source, respectively.