Vehicle Cabin UV-C Sanitization With Occupancy-Safe Tint Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current disinfection methods for vehicle cabin surfaces and air are laborious, time-consuming, and ineffective in preventing the spread of infectious diseases, as they fail to ensure thorough coverage and are difficult to automate, especially in public transportation settings where passengers are at high risk of exposure.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising a being detection system, sanitizing lights, and a surface tinting means, powered by a processor that adjusts window tinting and controls sanitizing light activation based on sensor data to safely sanitize vehicle cabins and air, using UV-C radiation to eliminate germs, while protecting occupants from harmful rays.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If current disinfection methods (wipes and surface cleaners) are used, then labor and time are required for manual cleaning, but thorough coverage and effectiveness are not ensured
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical cleaning methods (wipes and surface cleaners) with an automated UV-C radiation system. The system uses UV-C lights to disinfect surfaces and air without requiring human labor for physical cleaning, thereby improving both effectiveness through thorough coverage and productivity through automation.
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables self-service disinfection by automatically detecting when the vehicle is unoccupied and initiating UV-C radiation treatment without human intervention. The processor monitors sensor data to determine occupancy status and autonomously controls the sanitizing lights, making the disinfection process self-regulating and efficient.
2Reliability
If UV-C radiation is used to sanitize vehicle cabins, then disinfection effectiveness is improved, but harmful radiation exposure to occupants becomes a risk
Solution Approach 1:
The system incorporates sensors that continuously monitor vehicle occupancy and provide feedback to the processor. Based on this real-time feedback, the processor automatically activates or deactivates the UV-C sanitizing lights, ensuring they only operate when the vehicle is unoccupied. This feedback mechanism guarantees disinfection effectiveness while preventing harmful radiation exposure to occupants.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts its operation based on real-time conditions. The UV-C lights are not continuously on but are activated only when sensors detect that the vehicle is unoccupied. This dynamic control allows the system to maximize disinfection effectiveness when safe and prevent harmful exposure when occupants are present.
3Loss of time
If manual disinfection methods are used, then cost is reduced, but time consumption and labor requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary disinfection action automatically whenever the vehicle becomes unoccupied, rather than waiting for scheduled manual cleaning. This ensures surfaces and air are disinfected promptly after each use, reducing the time loss associated with manual cleaning while the automated nature keeps device complexity manageable through sensor-processor-light integration.
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 sanitizing vehicle cabins and air, reducing the risk of disease transmission by ensuring thorough disinfection and protecting occupants from harmful radiation, thereby enhancing passenger safety and reducing the spread of infectious diseases.
Implementation Method 1
The sanitizing radiation is emitted onto one or more surfaces of the vehicle, as well as the air of the vehicle
Implementation Method 2
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.