Violet-Light Storage Case for Portable Device Decontamination
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Solution Overview
Problem
Wearable air purifiers and other portable devices face contamination risks from microbial exposure, particularly during use and handling, as they often fail to effectively prevent the spread of bacteria and other microbes, and conventional cleaning methods can inadvertently spread contamination.
Innovation Solution
A storage case with integrated light sources emitting violet light (380-450 nm) for decontamination, which can be used to kill microbes on the device surfaces without damaging the materials, allowing for continuous decontamination when the device is stored and protecting it from recontamination once cleaned.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If conventional cleaning methods (dry or wet cloth) are used on portable devices, then the device surfaces are cleaned, but microbial contamination is spread rather than reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical cleaning methods (cloths, wipes) with a light-based decontamination system. Violet light sources (380-450 nm wavelength) are integrated into the storage case to illuminate and decontaminate the portable device surfaces without physical contact, thereby eliminating the risk of contamination spread associated with mechanical cleaning.
Solution Approach 2:
The storage case acts as an intermediary between the portable device and the cleaning process. Instead of directly cleaning the device with cloths, the device is placed in the storage case which then provides decontamination through violet light illumination, indirectly achieving cleaning without contamination risk.
2Adaptability or versatility
If portable devices are used in public environments, then the devices provide useful functions, but users are exposed to microbial contamination from handling and use
Solution Approach 1:
The storage case performs decontamination as a preliminary action before the user handles or uses the portable device. By automatically illuminating with violet light when the device is stored, the system pre-decontaminates surfaces that will later be touched, preventing microbial exposure before it can occur during subsequent use.
Solution Approach 2:
The portable device and storage case system performs self-decontamination without requiring user intervention. The device simply needs to be placed in the storage case, which then automatically provides violet light illumination to decontaminate the device surfaces, making the hygiene function automatic and convenient.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If UV light is used for decontamination, then microbial killing effectiveness is achieved, but the plastic materials of portable devices are damaged
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the wavelength parameter of the light source from traditional UV (which damages plastics) to violet light in the 380-450 nm range. This parameter adjustment maintains the antimicrobial effectiveness while eliminating the harmful effects on plastic materials, as violet light at these wavelengths does not degrade plastics.
4Ease of manufacture
If decontamination is performed separately from storage, then cleaning can be done, but the device remains vulnerable to recontamination until used
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the decontamination function with the storage case. The storage case not only stores the portable device but also provides violet light illumination for decontamination. This combination ensures that every time the device is stored, it is simultaneously decontaminated and protected from recontamination during the storage period.
Solution Approach 2:
The storage case provides continuous decontamination protection by maintaining violet light illumination whenever the device is stored. This continuous action ensures the device remains decontaminated throughout the storage period, preventing recontamination until the device is removed for use.
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 violet light effectively decontaminates portable devices while they are stored, reducing health and safety risks associated with microbial exposure and extending the battery life of the device by allowing charging through the storage case's power source, ensuring the device is clean and ready for use.
Implementation Method 1
The light source is configured for emitting light in a violet portion of the visual spectrum, and arranged in such a way as to illuminate a specific portion of the portable device when the at least one part of the portable device is held in the predetermined position. The violet portion of the visual spectrum is typically defined as spanning the range of about 380 to 450 nm. 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 storage case is provided for a portable device, the storage case including at least one docking bay and at least one light source. The docking bay is shaped for holding at least a part of the portable device in a predetermined position. The light source is configured for emitting light in a violet portion of the visual spectrum, and arranged in such a way as to illuminate a specific portion of the portable device when the at least one part of the portable device is held in the predetermined position.