WO2020252316A1 - Smartphone case based far ultra-violet c led bacteria/virus/pathogen eliminator - Google Patents
Smartphone case based far ultra-violet c led bacteria/virus/pathogen eliminator Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- WO2020252316A1 WO2020252316A1 PCT/US2020/037503 US2020037503W WO2020252316A1 WO 2020252316 A1 WO2020252316 A1 WO 2020252316A1 US 2020037503 W US2020037503 W US 2020037503W WO 2020252316 A1 WO2020252316 A1 WO 2020252316A1
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- WO
- WIPO (PCT)
- Prior art keywords
- disinfecting
- leds
- smartphone case
- smartphone
- led
- Prior art date
Links
- 241000894006 Bacteria Species 0.000 title claims abstract description 25
- 244000052769 pathogen Species 0.000 title claims abstract description 16
- 241000700605 Viruses Species 0.000 title claims abstract description 15
- 230000001717 pathogenic effect Effects 0.000 title description 2
- 230000000249 desinfective effect Effects 0.000 claims abstract description 107
- 238000000034 method Methods 0.000 claims abstract description 27
- 239000000758 substrate Substances 0.000 claims description 11
- RNQKDQAVIXDKAG-UHFFFAOYSA-N aluminum gallium Chemical compound [Al].[Ga] RNQKDQAVIXDKAG-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 claims description 6
- RYGMFSIKBFXOCR-UHFFFAOYSA-N Copper Chemical compound [Cu] RYGMFSIKBFXOCR-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 claims description 5
- IOVCWXUNBOPUCH-UHFFFAOYSA-M Nitrite anion Chemical compound [O-]N=O IOVCWXUNBOPUCH-UHFFFAOYSA-M 0.000 claims description 5
- 229910052782 aluminium Inorganic materials 0.000 claims description 5
- XAGFODPZIPBFFR-UHFFFAOYSA-N aluminium Chemical compound [Al] XAGFODPZIPBFFR-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 claims description 5
- 229910052802 copper Inorganic materials 0.000 claims description 5
- 239000010949 copper Substances 0.000 claims description 5
- 230000003213 activating effect Effects 0.000 claims description 4
- 239000000919 ceramic Substances 0.000 claims description 3
- 239000011521 glass Substances 0.000 claims description 3
- 229910052751 metal Inorganic materials 0.000 claims description 3
- 239000002184 metal Substances 0.000 claims description 3
- 230000008878 coupling Effects 0.000 claims description 2
- 238000010168 coupling process Methods 0.000 claims description 2
- 238000005859 coupling reaction Methods 0.000 claims description 2
- 229920000642 polymer Polymers 0.000 claims description 2
- 238000012360 testing method Methods 0.000 description 23
- 230000009467 reduction Effects 0.000 description 14
- 241000588724 Escherichia coli Species 0.000 description 12
- 239000013641 positive control Substances 0.000 description 10
- 230000001580 bacterial effect Effects 0.000 description 9
- 238000002474 experimental method Methods 0.000 description 5
- VYPSYNLAJGMNEJ-UHFFFAOYSA-N Silicium dioxide Chemical compound O=[Si]=O VYPSYNLAJGMNEJ-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 4
- 239000000463 material Substances 0.000 description 4
- 230000008569 process Effects 0.000 description 3
- 239000002096 quantum dot Substances 0.000 description 3
- 230000004044 response Effects 0.000 description 3
- 150000003376 silicon Chemical class 0.000 description 3
- 230000004075 alteration Effects 0.000 description 2
- 230000001332 colony forming effect Effects 0.000 description 2
- 238000012545 processing Methods 0.000 description 2
- 239000000377 silicon dioxide Substances 0.000 description 2
- 210000001519 tissue Anatomy 0.000 description 2
- XLYOFNOQVPJJNP-UHFFFAOYSA-N water Substances O XLYOFNOQVPJJNP-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 2
- 241000193385 Geobacillus stearothermophilus Species 0.000 description 1
- XUIMIQQOPSSXEZ-UHFFFAOYSA-N Silicon Chemical compound [Si] XUIMIQQOPSSXEZ-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 1
- 230000008901 benefit Effects 0.000 description 1
- 239000003990 capacitor Substances 0.000 description 1
- 238000012937 correction Methods 0.000 description 1
- 239000000428 dust Substances 0.000 description 1
- 210000002615 epidermis Anatomy 0.000 description 1
- 229940044658 gallium nitrate Drugs 0.000 description 1
- CHPZKNULDCNCBW-UHFFFAOYSA-N gallium nitrate Inorganic materials [Ga+3].[O-][N+]([O-])=O.[O-][N+]([O-])=O.[O-][N+]([O-])=O CHPZKNULDCNCBW-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 1
- 231100000206 health hazard Toxicity 0.000 description 1
- 208000015181 infectious disease Diseases 0.000 description 1
- 230000001524 infective effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 230000036512 infertility Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000005259 measurement Methods 0.000 description 1
- QSHDDOUJBYECFT-UHFFFAOYSA-N mercury Chemical compound [Hg] QSHDDOUJBYECFT-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 1
- 244000005700 microbiome Species 0.000 description 1
- 238000012986 modification Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000004048 modification Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000013021 overheating Methods 0.000 description 1
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- 210000001525 retina Anatomy 0.000 description 1
- 229910052710 silicon Inorganic materials 0.000 description 1
- 239000010703 silicon Substances 0.000 description 1
- 210000003491 skin Anatomy 0.000 description 1
- 238000001228 spectrum Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000001954 sterilising effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000004659 sterilization and disinfection Methods 0.000 description 1
- 229910052724 xenon Inorganic materials 0.000 description 1
- FHNFHKCVQCLJFQ-UHFFFAOYSA-N xenon atom Chemical compound [Xe] FHNFHKCVQCLJFQ-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 1
Classifications
-
- H—ELECTRICITY
- H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
- H04M—TELEPHONIC COMMUNICATION
- H04M1/00—Substation equipment, e.g. for use by subscribers
- H04M1/02—Constructional features of telephone sets
- H04M1/18—Telephone sets specially adapted for use in ships, mines, or other places exposed to adverse environment
- H04M1/185—Improving the rigidity of the casing or resistance to shocks
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
- A61L—METHODS OR APPARATUS FOR STERILISING MATERIALS OR OBJECTS IN GENERAL; DISINFECTION, STERILISATION OR DEODORISATION OF AIR; CHEMICAL ASPECTS OF BANDAGES, DRESSINGS, ABSORBENT PADS OR SURGICAL ARTICLES; MATERIALS FOR BANDAGES, DRESSINGS, ABSORBENT PADS OR SURGICAL ARTICLES
- A61L2/00—Methods or apparatus for disinfecting or sterilising materials or objects other than foodstuffs or contact lenses; Accessories therefor
- A61L2/02—Methods or apparatus for disinfecting or sterilising materials or objects other than foodstuffs or contact lenses; Accessories therefor using physical phenomena
- A61L2/08—Radiation
- A61L2/10—Ultraviolet radiation
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
- A61L—METHODS OR APPARATUS FOR STERILISING MATERIALS OR OBJECTS IN GENERAL; DISINFECTION, STERILISATION OR DEODORISATION OF AIR; CHEMICAL ASPECTS OF BANDAGES, DRESSINGS, ABSORBENT PADS OR SURGICAL ARTICLES; MATERIALS FOR BANDAGES, DRESSINGS, ABSORBENT PADS OR SURGICAL ARTICLES
- A61L2/00—Methods or apparatus for disinfecting or sterilising materials or objects other than foodstuffs or contact lenses; Accessories therefor
- A61L2/26—Accessories or devices or components used for biocidal treatment
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A45—HAND OR TRAVELLING ARTICLES
- A45C—PURSES; LUGGAGE; HAND CARRIED BAGS
- A45C11/00—Receptacles for purposes not provided for in groups A45C1/00-A45C9/00
- A45C2011/002—Receptacles for purposes not provided for in groups A45C1/00-A45C9/00 for portable handheld communication devices, e.g. mobile phone, pager, beeper, PDA, smart phone
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
- A61L—METHODS OR APPARATUS FOR STERILISING MATERIALS OR OBJECTS IN GENERAL; DISINFECTION, STERILISATION OR DEODORISATION OF AIR; CHEMICAL ASPECTS OF BANDAGES, DRESSINGS, ABSORBENT PADS OR SURGICAL ARTICLES; MATERIALS FOR BANDAGES, DRESSINGS, ABSORBENT PADS OR SURGICAL ARTICLES
- A61L2202/00—Aspects relating to methods or apparatus for disinfecting or sterilising materials or objects
- A61L2202/10—Apparatus features
- A61L2202/11—Apparatus for generating biocidal substances, e.g. vaporisers, UV lamps
-
- H—ELECTRICITY
- H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
- H04M—TELEPHONIC COMMUNICATION
- H04M1/00—Substation equipment, e.g. for use by subscribers
- H04M1/02—Constructional features of telephone sets
- H04M1/17—Hygienic or sanitary devices on telephone equipment
Definitions
- the present disclosure generally relates to smartphone cases and, more particularly, to smartphone cases including one or more LEDs for disinfecting.
- Smartphone cases covering all or a portion of a smartphone can provide protection against damage from dust, water, and dropping.
- Smartphone cases have incorporated a multitude of functions into a single case.
- One function not currently provided by smartphone cases is the ability to disinfect using light.
- UV light in the UVB range (280-315 nm) and the UVC range (200 nm-280 nm) have been used for disinfecting air, water, and surfaces.
- Conventional sources of UV light include mercury-vapor lamps and xenon lamps. These lamps, however, emit a very wide range of UV wavelengths, the vast majority of which are not useful for disinfecting and may pose a health hazard. Furthermore, these lamps require a high voltage power supply that may cause safety issues.
- LEDs UV light emitting diodes
- a smartphone case can include a rear portion sized and shaped to cover a rear surface of a smartphone and a perimeter portion extending from edges of the rear portion to at least partially cover a perimeter portion of the smartphone.
- the smartphone case can further include one or more disinfecting light emitting diodes (LEDs) disposed on the rear portion on a side opposite the smartphone, a power supply electrically connected to the LEDs, and a power on/off switch connected to the LEDs and the power supply, wherein the disinfecting LEDs emits UVC light.
- LEDs disinfecting light emitting diodes
- the smartphone case can optionally be formed by coupling two separate pieces, comprise one or more LEDs, include the power switch on the perimeter portion of the smartphone case, and/or allow the power switch to turn the one or more disinfecting LEDs on and off and varies an output of the one or more disinfecting LEDs.
- the smartphone case can optionally include the rear portion being formed of a polymer, a metal, a ceramic, glass, or combinations thereof.
- the smartphone can further include the one or more disinfecting LEDs comprising a power efficiency that ranges from a 1 Watt input yielding about 5 to about 750 milliwatt output and/or have dimensions ranging from about 4.4 mm x 4.4 mm to about 1 mm x 1mm.
- the one or more disinfecting LEDs of the smartphone case can reduce a number of bacteria, viruses, or pathogens on a surface by Log 4.1 or greater after exposure for 5 seconds at 3 cm, have a total power consumption of about 1.0 Watts to about 10 Watts, and/ or be powered by about 1.25 Watts.
- the one or more disinfecting LEDs of the smartphone case can provide UVC light at 218 nm.
- the one or more disinfecting LEDs of the smartphone case can comprise a substrate comprising copper and aluminum, a die comprising aluminum- gallium nitrite, and a plurality of silicon quantum dots.
- a method for disinfecting using a smartphone case can include providing a smartphone case comprising an LED configured to output UVC light in a range of 200-220 nm.
- the method can further include turning on the LED using an on/off power switch to provide UVC light in a range of 200-220 nm, holding the smartphone case about 0.5 to about 3.0 inches from an object to be disinfected to expose the object to UVC light in a range of 200-220 nm, and exposing the object to UVC light within the range of 200-220 nm for about 1 second to about 15 seconds.
- the method can further include turning off the LED.
- the method for disinfecting using a smartphone case can optionally include turning off the LED using an on/off power switch or occurs automatically without having to use the on/off power switch.
- the method for disinfecting using a smartphone case can include exposing the object to UVC light within the range of 200-220 nm for about 1 second to about 15 seconds to reduce a number of bacteria, viruses, and/or pathogens on the object by Log 4.1 or greater.
- a smartphone case can include a rear portion sized and shaped to cover a rear surface of a smartphone and a perimeter portion extending from edges of the rear portion to at least partially cover a perimeter portion of the smartphone.
- the smartphone case can further include one or more disinfecting light emitting diodes (LEDs) disposed on the rear portion on a side opposite the smartphone where the one or more disinfecting light emitting diodes have a total power consumption of about 1 to about 10 Watts, and a power supply electrically connected to the LEDs; and wherein the disinfecting LEDs emit UVC light at one or more wavelengths in a range of 200 nm to 220 nm to disinfect without harming human tissue.
- LEDs disinfecting light emitting diodes
- the smartphone case has a power efficiency of each of the one or more disinfecting LEDs can range from about 1 Watt input yielding about 5 to about 750 milliwatt.
- the one or more disinfecting LEDs of the smartphone case reduces a number of bacteria, viruses, or pathogens on a surface by Log 4.1 or greater after exposure for 5 seconds at 3 cm.
- Each of the one or more disinfecting LEDs of the smartphone case comprise a substrate comprising copper and aluminum, a die comprising aluminum-gallium nitrite, and a plurality of silicon quantum dots
- FIG. 1A schematically depicts a front view of a smartphone case according to the present disclosure
- FIG. IB schematically depicts a side view of a perimeter of a smartphone case according to the present disclosure
- FIG. 2A schematically depicts a rear view of a smartphone case including Far
- UVC LEDs according to the present disclosure
- FIG. 2B schematically depicts an arrangement of ten Far UVC LEDs disposed on a rear portion of a smartphone case according to the present disclosure according to the present disclosure
- FIGS. 3A-B schematically depict a method for disinfecting using a smartphone case according to the present disclosure.
- FIGS. 4A-B schematically depicts a UVC LED module according to the present disclosure
- FIG. 5 depicts a method for disinfecting using a smartphone case according to the present disclosure.
- the disclosed smartphone case covering all or a portion of a smartphone incorporates one or more disinfecting LEDs that consume minimal power and generate minimal heat to provide Far UVC light, for example, at one or more wavelengths in a range from about 200 to about 220 nm to disinfect by killing viruses, bacteria and/or pathogens without damaging human tissue. Because of the small size and inexpensive cost of the disinfecting LED, one or more can be incorporated into a smartphone case.
- FIGS. 1A-B depict a smartphone case 100 according to the present disclosure.
- FIG. 1A shows a front view of smartphone case 100 and includes an opening 105 for a smartphone's camera lens and/or LED light.
- Smartphone case 100 can include a rear portion 110 and a perimeter portion 120.
- Rear portion 110 can be sized and shaped to cover a back of a smartphone (the side opposite the screen).
- Perimeter portion 120 extends from rear portion 110 and is sized and shaped to cover a perimeter of the smartphone.
- FIG. IB depicts a side view of smartphone case 100 showing perimeter portion 120.
- smartphone case 100 can be formed of two or more pieces shown as 111 and 112 in FIGS. 1A-B.
- smartphone case When a smartphone is inserted, two or more pieces 111 and 112 function as a smartphone case. Although depicted as two similar sized halves, it is envisioned that smartphone case can be formed of unequally sized portions, a single piece, and other smartphone configurations known in the art. Specific dimensions of the smartphone case will vary depending on the make and model of the smartphone for which it is used.
- Rear portion 110 and perimeter portion 120 can be formed of a metal, plastic, glass, ceramic or combinations thereof.
- FIG. 2A depicts a back view of smartphone case 100.
- One or more disinfecting agents are provided.
- FIG. 2A depicts four disinfecting LEDs 160 affixed to back portion 110 of smartphone case 100, facing away from a screen of a smartphone inserted into smartphone case 100, that can provide Far UVC light at one or more wavelengths from 200 to 220 nm.
- Disinfecting LEDs 160 can be positioned as desired on back portion 110 to direct UVC light away from smartphone case 100.
- disinfecting LEDs 160 can direct UVC light in a direction normal to back portion 110.
- one or more LEDs can be used, for example, ten disinfecting LEDs as shown in FIG. 2B.
- One or more disinfecting LEDs 160 can be arranged as desired, for example, in a single row as in FIG. 2B, in an array of rows and columns, or asymmetrically.
- Smartphone case 100 can further include a battery 125 that provides power to operate disinfecting LEDs 160.
- battery 125 can provide sufficient power for disinfecting one or more LEDs 160 to operate and no capacitor is needed.
- battery 125 can have sufficient capacity and be configured to charge a smartphone and operate disinfecting one or more LEDs 160.
- battery 125 can have a capacity of at least 2,200 mAh.
- Smartphone case 100 can further include a power switch 130 which controls operation of disinfecting LEDs 160. Power switch 130 can be electrically connected to battery 125 and one or more disinfecting LEDs 160 to turn on and off the one or more disinfecting LEDs.
- power switch 130 can also control an output of one or more LEDs 160 to vary the amount of UV light directed to disinfect a surface.
- power switch 130 can be used to intensify or dim the UV light as desired.
- power switch 130 can optionally be software-based.
- the output of the one or more LEDs 160 can be controlled by a software application on the smartphone.
- smartphone case 100 can connect to the smartphone via a wired electrical connection or a wireless connection, such as
- Bluetooth to allow a user to turn on and off one or more LEDs 160 and vary the output of one or more LEDs 160.
- Disinfecting LED 160 can provide Far UVC light to disinfect a surface.
- one or more disinfecting LEDs 160 can be tuned to provide light only in a range of 200 nm to 220 nm.
- One or more disinfecting LEDs 160 can optionally provide Far UVC light in a range within the UVC spectrum, for example, 207 nm to 218 nm, or from 210 nm to 215 nm.
- Disinfecting LEDs 160 can also be tuned to provide Far UVC light at one or more specific wavelengths within the UVC range of 200 nm to 220 nm, for example, 200 nm, 201 nm, 203 nm, etc.
- Disinfecting LEDs 160 can also be tuned to provide UVC light at one or more wavelengths in a range from about 220 to about 280, for example, at 256 nm.
- Tuning the one or more disinfecting LED 160 to specific wavelengths can be accomplished by a combination of a substrate selection including aluminum gallium nitrate and populated with a plurality of silicon quantum dots.
- FIG. 4A schematically depicts a top view
- FIG. 4B schematically depicts a side view of a disinfecting LED 460 that provides Far UVC light, for example at 218 nm, according to the present disclosure.
- Disinfecting LED 460 includes a substrate 462, a die 463 disposed on substrate 462, and a plurality of silicon quantum dot filter particles 464 disposed on die 463.
- substrate 462 can be formed of a combination of aluminum and copper.
- Substrate 462 can vary in size from a width W of about 4.40 +/- 0.15 millimeters and a length L of about 4.40 +/- 0.15 millimeters to width W of about 1 +/- 0.05 mil limeter and length L of about 1 millimeter +/- 0.05.
- Die 463 can be formed of, for example, aluminum gallium nitrite and disposed on substrate 462. The dimensions of die 463 can vary depending on the size of the substrate, for example, it can have a length and a width that varies from 40 mm x 40 mm to 1mm x 1 mm or less and be patterned in either a serial or parallel pattern depending on the UVC wavelength range desired or specific wavelengths desired.
- Each of the one or more disinfecting LED 160 can have dimensions to fit within smartphone case 100, for example 1 mm x lmm.
- Total power consumption for all of the one or more disinfecting LED 160 can be about 1.0 Watt to about 10 Watts.
- one or more disinfecting LED 160 can have a total power consumption of about 3.0 to about 8.0 watts or from about 5.0 to about 7.0 watts.
- Power efficiency of each of the one or more disinfecting LEDs can range from about 1 Watt input yielding about 5 to about 750 milliwatt output, to 1 Watt input yielding about 100 to about 650 milliwatt output, or to 1 Watt input yielding about 500 to 600 milliwatt output.
- Disinfecting LEDs 160 can be, for example, an Ultraviolet-C silica quantum dot integrated LED microchip (SQDILM) available from Micronan, Inc. (Anahola,
- smartphone case can include a heat sink to dissipate heat generated by one or more LEDs 160.
- FIGS. 3A-B depict a method of disinfecting using smartphone case 100 and disinfecting LEDs 160 for disinfecting a surface 390 of object 392.
- the back of smartphone case 100 can include one or more disinfecting LEDs 160.
- FIG. 3B shows a side view of smartphone case 100 with a UVC light 161 being emitted from disinfecting LEDs 160. Exposure of surface 390 of object 392 to be disinfected to UVC light 161 can disinfect surface 392 by reducing the number of bacteria, viruses, and pathogens on surface 390. In an embodiment, disinfecting can be accomplished by positioning smartphone case 100 about 0.5 inches to about 3 inches from surface 390. Disinfecting LEDs 160 can be turned on to expose surface 390 to UVC light 161 for about 1 to about 15 seconds.
- LEDs 160 can be controlled using on/off power switch 130.
- LEDs 160 can automatically turn off without having to use on/off power switch 130.
- one or more disinfecting time periods can be selected where disinfecting LEDs 160 automatically turn off after expiration of the set disinfecting time periods.
- Exemplary disinfecting time periods can be, for example, 1 seconds, 5 seconds, 10 seconds, or any desired time period.
- disinfecting LEDs 160 can be turned off automatically after a set time period to avoid overheating or other problems due to user error or a user forgetting to turn off disinfecting LEDs 160. Disinfecting ca n be done with or without a smartphone inserted into smartphone case 100.
- a method for disinfecting 500 according to the present disclosure is depicted in FIG. 5.
- a disinfecting LED is activated.
- the disinfecting LEDs that are activated are disposed on a smartphone case, for example, as shown in FIGS. 1A, IB, 2A, 2B, 3A and 3B, and are disinfecting LEDs, for example, such as disinfecting LEDs 160 as disclosed herein.
- Activating the disinfecting LEDs can be accomplished using a dedicated switch on the smartphone case or using a software application.
- Activating the disinfecting LED can further include selected one or more predetermined exposure times, for example, 5 seconds, 6 seconds, etc.
- the smartphone case is positioned proximate to a surface of an object to be disinfected.
- the distance from the surface of the object to be disinfected to the smartphone case can be, for example, about 0.5 inches to about 3 inches.
- positioning the smartphone case can also be done at the same time or prior to activating the disinfecting LED at 510 of method 500.
- the surface of the object to be disinfected is exposed to UVC light.
- the smartphone case can be held in a single location to expose the surface to the UVC light for the entire duration of the desired time period, for example 1 second, 5 seconds, or 10 seconds.
- the smartphone case can be scanned over a larger area during the exposure time.
- the UVC light can be Far UVC light having one or more wavelengths in a range of 200 to 220 nm. Exposure time can range from about 1 second to about 15 seconds.
- the disinfecting LED can be turned off. Turning off the disinfecting LED can be accomplished using a dedicated switch on the smartphone case or using a software application on the smartphone. For example, the disinfecting LED can be turned off as desired or if a predetermined exposure time was selected at 510 of method 500, the disinfecting LED can be turned off automatically after the predetermined exposure time has elapsed. After turning off disinfecting LED, a number of bacteria, viruses, and/or pathogens on the surface of the object is reduced by Log 4.1 or greater. Method 500 can be utilized with or without a smartphone in smartphone case 100.
- the G. Stearothermophilus spore is one of the hardest bacteria to eliminate and is the bacterial standard to ensure medical sterilization of medical instruments.
- the bacterial specimens were placed in two petri dishes, a first for testing and a second for use as a control.
- the number of colony forming units (CFUs) present in the petri dishes was then counted for each test and a control specimen.
- the Log is a measurement of how many CFU/Bacteria there are; as the log increases, the number of CFU/Bacterial becomes multiplied by 10. For example, Log 1 has 10 CFU's versus Log 2 which has 100 CFU's, versus Log 5 which has 100,000 CFU's.
- the Log Reductions convey how effective a product is at reducing pathogens. The greater the log reduction the more effective the product is at killing bacteria and other pathogens that can cause infections. For Reference, Log 6 reduction is considered medical sterility because it kills 99.9999% of bacteria.
- the disinfecting LEDs were positioned 1 cm above the bacteria for all the tests. A lens was used to direct the UV light from the disinfecting LEDs to the bacterial specimens. For both disinfecting LEDs, the wattage and the exposure times were varied. The results are shown below in Table 2.
- LED microchip available from Micronan, Inc. (Anahola, H I) at 218 nm wavelength.
- SQLILM LED microchip
- CFUs Coupon or Colony Forming Units
- Test 1- 218 nm at 1.25 Watts on E.coli at 3 cm distance for 5 Seconds
Landscapes
- Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
- Epidemiology (AREA)
- Life Sciences & Earth Sciences (AREA)
- Animal Behavior & Ethology (AREA)
- General Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
- Public Health (AREA)
- Veterinary Medicine (AREA)
- Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Signal Processing (AREA)
- Apparatus For Disinfection Or Sterilisation (AREA)
Abstract
A smartphone case and method for using a smartphone case to disinfect by eliminating bacteria, viruses, and pathogens is provided. The smartphone case includes one or more disinfecting light emitting diodes that emits UVC light at one or more wavelengths only in the range of 200 nm to 220 nm to disinfect without harming human tissue. Disinfecting of an object or surface can be accomplished using the smartphone case by turning on the one or more disinfecting LEDs to provide UVC light at one or more wavelengths in a range of 200 nm to 220 nm and holding the smartphone case about 0.5 to about 3.0 inches from an object to be disinfected for about 1 to about 15 seconds.
Description
SMARTPHONE CASE BASED FAR ULTRA-VIOLET C LED BACTERIA/VIRUS/PATHOGEN
ELIMINATOR
Cross Reference to Related Applications
[0001] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No.
62/861,696, filed June 14, 2019, the contents of which is incorporated by reference herein in its entirety.
Field
[0002] The present disclosure generally relates to smartphone cases and, more particularly, to smartphone cases including one or more LEDs for disinfecting.
Background
[0003] Smartphone cases covering all or a portion of a smartphone can provide protection against damage from dust, water, and dropping. Smartphone cases have incorporated a multitude of functions into a single case. One function not currently provided by smartphone cases is the ability to disinfect using light.
[0004] Ultraviolet (UV) light in the UVB range (280-315 nm) and the UVC range (200 nm-280 nm) have been used for disinfecting air, water, and surfaces. Conventional sources of UV light include mercury-vapor lamps and xenon lamps. These lamps, however, emit a very wide range of UV wavelengths, the vast majority of which are not useful for disinfecting and may pose a health hazard. Furthermore, these lamps require a high voltage power supply that may cause safety issues. Commercially available UV light emitting diodes (LEDs) exist that emit in the UVB and UVC wavelengths. They, however, emit low power, cannot be tuned to the specific wavelengths that are desirable for disinfecting, and are very inefficient and expensive.
[0005] It would be desirable to have an efficient, wavelength specific UVC LED incorporated into a smartphone case for use in disinfecting.
SUMMARY
[0006] According to the present teachings, a smartphone case is provided. The smartphone case can include a rear portion sized and shaped to cover a rear surface of a smartphone and a perimeter portion extending from edges of the rear portion to at least partially cover a perimeter portion of the smartphone. The smartphone case can further include one or more disinfecting light emitting diodes (LEDs) disposed on the rear portion on a side opposite the smartphone, a power supply electrically connected to the LEDs, and a power on/off switch connected to the LEDs and the power supply, wherein the disinfecting LEDs emits UVC light.
[0007] According to the present teachings, the smartphone case can optionally be formed by coupling two separate pieces, comprise one or more LEDs, include the power switch on the perimeter portion of the smartphone case, and/or allow the power switch to turn the one or more disinfecting LEDs on and off and varies an output of the one or more disinfecting LEDs. Further, the smartphone case can optionally include the rear portion being formed of a polymer, a metal, a ceramic, glass, or combinations thereof. The smartphone can further include the one or more disinfecting LEDs comprising a power efficiency that ranges from a 1 Watt input yielding about 5 to about 750 milliwatt output and/or have dimensions ranging from about 4.4 mm x 4.4 mm to about 1 mm x 1mm. The one or more disinfecting LEDs of the smartphone case can reduce a number of bacteria, viruses, or pathogens on a surface by Log 4.1 or greater after exposure for 5 seconds at 3 cm, have a total power consumption of about 1.0 Watts to about 10 Watts, and/ or be powered by about 1.25 Watts. The one or more disinfecting LEDs of the smartphone case can provide UVC light at 218 nm. The one or more disinfecting LEDs of the smartphone case can comprise a substrate comprising copper and aluminum, a die comprising aluminum- gallium nitrite, and a plurality of silicon quantum dots.
[0008] According to the present teachings, a method for disinfecting using a smartphone case is also provided. The method can include providing a smartphone case comprising an LED configured to output UVC light in a range of 200-220 nm. The method can further include turning on the LED using an on/off power switch to provide UVC light in a range of 200-220 nm, holding the smartphone case about 0.5 to about 3.0 inches from an object to be disinfected to expose the object to UVC light in a range of 200-220 nm, and
exposing the object to UVC light within the range of 200-220 nm for about 1 second to about 15 seconds. The method can further include turning off the LED.
[0009] According to the present teachings, the method for disinfecting using a smartphone case can optionally include turning off the LED using an on/off power switch or occurs automatically without having to use the on/off power switch. The method for disinfecting using a smartphone case can include exposing the object to UVC light within the range of 200-220 nm for about 1 second to about 15 seconds to reduce a number of bacteria, viruses, and/or pathogens on the object by Log 4.1 or greater.
[0010] According to the present teachings, a smartphone case is provided. The smartphone case can include a rear portion sized and shaped to cover a rear surface of a smartphone and a perimeter portion extending from edges of the rear portion to at least partially cover a perimeter portion of the smartphone. The smartphone case can further include one or more disinfecting light emitting diodes (LEDs) disposed on the rear portion on a side opposite the smartphone where the one or more disinfecting light emitting diodes have a total power consumption of about 1 to about 10 Watts, and a power supply electrically connected to the LEDs; and wherein the disinfecting LEDs emit UVC light at one or more wavelengths in a range of 200 nm to 220 nm to disinfect without harming human tissue.
[0011] According to the present teachings, the smartphone case has a power efficiency of each of the one or more disinfecting LEDs can range from about 1 Watt input yielding about 5 to about 750 milliwatt. The one or more disinfecting LEDs of the smartphone case reduces a number of bacteria, viruses, or pathogens on a surface by Log 4.1 or greater after exposure for 5 seconds at 3 cm. Each of the one or more disinfecting LEDs of the smartphone case comprise a substrate comprising copper and aluminum, a die comprising aluminum-gallium nitrite, and a plurality of silicon quantum dots
[0012] It is to be understood that both the foregoing general description and the following detailed description are exemplary and explanatory only and are not restrictive of the disclosure, as claimed.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0013] The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification, illustrate the present disclosure and together with the description, serve to explain the principles of the present disclosure.
[0014] FIG. 1A schematically depicts a front view of a smartphone case according to the present disclosure;
[0015] FIG. IB schematically depicts a side view of a perimeter of a smartphone case according to the present disclosure;
[0016] FIG. 2A schematically depicts a rear view of a smartphone case including Far
UVC LEDs according to the present disclosure;
[0017] FIG. 2B schematically depicts an arrangement of ten Far UVC LEDs disposed on a rear portion of a smartphone case according to the present disclosure according to the present disclosure;
[0018] FIGS. 3A-B schematically depict a method for disinfecting using a smartphone case according to the present disclosure.
[0019] FIGS. 4A-B schematically depicts a UVC LED module according to the present disclosure;
[0020] FIG. 5 depicts a method for disinfecting using a smartphone case according to the present disclosure.
DESCRIPTION
[0021] Reference will now be made in detail to exemplary implementations of the present disclosure, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings.
Wherever possible, the same reference numbers will be used throughout the drawings to refer to the same or like parts. In the following description, reference is made to the accompanying drawings that form a part thereof, and in which is shown by way of illustration specific exemplary implementations in which the present disclosure may be practiced. These implementations are described in sufficient detail to enable those skilled in the art to practice the present disclosure and it is to be understood that other
implementations may be utilized and that changes may be made without departing from
the scope of the present disclosure. The following description is, therefore, merely exemplary.
[0022] Studies have shown that certain narrow bands of Far UVC light can effectively kill viruses, bacteria, and/or pathogens without damaging the epidermis layer of human skin or the retina. The disclosed smartphone case covering all or a portion of a smartphone incorporates one or more disinfecting LEDs that consume minimal power and generate minimal heat to provide Far UVC light, for example, at one or more wavelengths in a range from about 200 to about 220 nm to disinfect by killing viruses, bacteria and/or pathogens without damaging human tissue. Because of the small size and inexpensive cost of the disinfecting LED, one or more can be incorporated into a smartphone case.
[0023] FIGS. 1A-B depict a smartphone case 100 according to the present disclosure.
FIG. 1A shows a front view of smartphone case 100 and includes an opening 105 for a smartphone's camera lens and/or LED light. Smartphone case 100 can include a rear portion 110 and a perimeter portion 120. Rear portion 110 can be sized and shaped to cover a back of a smartphone (the side opposite the screen). Perimeter portion 120 extends from rear portion 110 and is sized and shaped to cover a perimeter of the smartphone. FIG. IB depicts a side view of smartphone case 100 showing perimeter portion 120. When a smartphone is inserted into smartphone case 100, it is securely held in place at least by perimeter portion 120. Optionally, smartphone case 100 can be formed of two or more pieces shown as 111 and 112 in FIGS. 1A-B. When a smartphone is inserted, two or more pieces 111 and 112 function as a smartphone case. Although depicted as two similar sized halves, it is envisioned that smartphone case can be formed of unequally sized portions, a single piece, and other smartphone configurations known in the art. Specific dimensions of the smartphone case will vary depending on the make and model of the smartphone for which it is used.
[0024] Rear portion 110 and perimeter portion 120 can be formed of a metal, plastic, glass, ceramic or combinations thereof.
[0025] FIG. 2A depicts a back view of smartphone case 100. One or more disinfecting
LEDs can be affixed to emit Far UVC light from the back of smartphone case 100. FIG. 2A depicts four disinfecting LEDs 160 affixed to back portion 110 of smartphone case 100, facing away from a screen of a smartphone inserted into smartphone case 100, that can
provide Far UVC light at one or more wavelengths from 200 to 220 nm. Disinfecting LEDs 160 can be positioned as desired on back portion 110 to direct UVC light away from smartphone case 100. For example, disinfecting LEDs 160 can direct UVC light in a direction normal to back portion 110. Although depicted with four disinfecting LEDs, one or more LEDs can be used, for example, ten disinfecting LEDs as shown in FIG. 2B. One or more disinfecting LEDs 160 can be arranged as desired, for example, in a single row as in FIG. 2B, in an array of rows and columns, or asymmetrically.
[0026] Smartphone case 100 can further include a battery 125 that provides power to operate disinfecting LEDs 160. In various embodiments, battery 125 can provide sufficient power for disinfecting one or more LEDs 160 to operate and no capacitor is needed. In an exemplary embodiment, battery 125 can have sufficient capacity and be configured to charge a smartphone and operate disinfecting one or more LEDs 160. For example, battery 125 can have a capacity of at least 2,200 mAh. Smartphone case 100 can further include a power switch 130 which controls operation of disinfecting LEDs 160. Power switch 130 can be electrically connected to battery 125 and one or more disinfecting LEDs 160 to turn on and off the one or more disinfecting LEDs. Optionally, power switch 130 can also control an output of one or more LEDs 160 to vary the amount of UV light directed to disinfect a surface. For example, power switch 130 can be used to intensify or dim the UV light as desired. Although depicted as a hardware switch, power switch 130 can optionally be software-based. In this case, the output of the one or more LEDs 160 can be controlled by a software application on the smartphone. For example, smartphone case 100 can connect to the smartphone via a wired electrical connection or a wireless connection, such as
Bluetooth, to allow a user to turn on and off one or more LEDs 160 and vary the output of one or more LEDs 160.
[0027] Disinfecting LED 160 can provide Far UVC light to disinfect a surface. For example, one or more disinfecting LEDs 160 can be tuned to provide light only in a range of 200 nm to 220 nm. One or more disinfecting LEDs 160 can optionally provide Far UVC light in a range within the UVC spectrum, for example, 207 nm to 218 nm, or from 210 nm to 215 nm. Disinfecting LEDs 160 can also be tuned to provide Far UVC light at one or more specific wavelengths within the UVC range of 200 nm to 220 nm, for example, 200 nm, 201 nm, 203
nm, etc. Disinfecting LEDs 160 can also be tuned to provide UVC light at one or more wavelengths in a range from about 220 to about 280, for example, at 256 nm.
[0028] Tuning the one or more disinfecting LED 160 to specific wavelengths can be accomplished by a combination of a substrate selection including aluminum gallium nitrate and populated with a plurality of silicon quantum dots. FIG. 4A schematically depicts a top view and FIG. 4B schematically depicts a side view of a disinfecting LED 460 that provides Far UVC light, for example at 218 nm, according to the present disclosure. Disinfecting LED 460 includes a substrate 462, a die 463 disposed on substrate 462, and a plurality of silicon quantum dot filter particles 464 disposed on die 463. In various embodiments, substrate 462 can be formed of a combination of aluminum and copper. Substrate 462 can vary in size from a width W of about 4.40 +/- 0.15 millimeters and a length L of about 4.40 +/- 0.15 millimeters to width W of about 1 +/- 0.05 mil limeter and length L of about 1 millimeter +/- 0.05. Die 463 can be formed of, for example, aluminum gallium nitrite and disposed on substrate 462. The dimensions of die 463 can vary depending on the size of the substrate, for example, it can have a length and a width that varies from 40 mm x 40 mm to 1mm x 1 mm or less and be patterned in either a serial or parallel pattern depending on the UVC wavelength range desired or specific wavelengths desired.
[0029] Each of the one or more disinfecting LED 160, also referred to here as microchips, can have dimensions to fit within smartphone case 100, for example 1 mm x lmm. Total power consumption for all of the one or more disinfecting LED 160 can be about 1.0 Watt to about 10 Watts. Optionally, one or more disinfecting LED 160 can have a total power consumption of about 3.0 to about 8.0 watts or from about 5.0 to about 7.0 watts. Power efficiency of each of the one or more disinfecting LEDs can range from about 1 Watt input yielding about 5 to about 750 milliwatt output, to 1 Watt input yielding about 100 to about 650 milliwatt output, or to 1 Watt input yielding about 500 to 600 milliwatt output. The output, at the Far UVC wavelength, can disinfect a surface area of about at least 9.4 cm squared and can increase as the distance from the smartphone case to the surface to be disinfected increases. Disinfecting LEDs 160 can be, for example, an Ultraviolet-C silica quantum dot integrated LED microchip (SQDILM) available from Micronan, Inc. (Anahola,
HI). Heat generated by, for example, a 2 Watt or 5 Watt LED is minimal due to the short
periods of time required to disinfect. Optionally, smartphone case can include a heat sink to dissipate heat generated by one or more LEDs 160.
[0030] FIGS. 3A-B depict a method of disinfecting using smartphone case 100 and disinfecting LEDs 160 for disinfecting a surface 390 of object 392. As shown in FIG. 3A, the back of smartphone case 100 can include one or more disinfecting LEDs 160. FIG. 3B shows a side view of smartphone case 100 with a UVC light 161 being emitted from disinfecting LEDs 160. Exposure of surface 390 of object 392 to be disinfected to UVC light 161 can disinfect surface 392 by reducing the number of bacteria, viruses, and pathogens on surface 390. In an embodiment, disinfecting can be accomplished by positioning smartphone case 100 about 0.5 inches to about 3 inches from surface 390. Disinfecting LEDs 160 can be turned on to expose surface 390 to UVC light 161 for about 1 to about 15 seconds.
Operation of LEDs 160 can be controlled using on/off power switch 130. Optionally, LEDs 160 can automatically turn off without having to use on/off power switch 130. For example, one or more disinfecting time periods can be selected where disinfecting LEDs 160 automatically turn off after expiration of the set disinfecting time periods. Exemplary disinfecting time periods can be, for example, 1 seconds, 5 seconds, 10 seconds, or any desired time period. Optionally, disinfecting LEDs 160 can be turned off automatically after a set time period to avoid overheating or other problems due to user error or a user forgetting to turn off disinfecting LEDs 160. Disinfecting ca n be done with or without a smartphone inserted into smartphone case 100.
[0031] A method for disinfecting 500 according to the present disclosure is depicted in FIG. 5. At 510 of method 500, a disinfecting LED is activated. The disinfecting LEDs that are activated are disposed on a smartphone case, for example, as shown in FIGS. 1A, IB, 2A, 2B, 3A and 3B, and are disinfecting LEDs, for example, such as disinfecting LEDs 160 as disclosed herein. Activating the disinfecting LEDs can be accomplished using a dedicated switch on the smartphone case or using a software application. Activating the disinfecting LED can further include selected one or more predetermined exposure times, for example, 5 seconds, 6 seconds, etc.
[0032] At 520 of method 500, the smartphone case is positioned proximate to a surface of an object to be disinfected. The distance from the surface of the object to be disinfected to the smartphone case can be, for example, about 0.5 inches to about 3 inches.
One or ordinary skill in the art will understand that positioning the smartphone case can also be done at the same time or prior to activating the disinfecting LED at 510 of method 500.
[0033] At 530 of method 500, the surface of the object to be disinfected is exposed to UVC light. Depending on the size of the surface to be disinfected, the distance of the surface of the smartphone case, and the type of virus, bacteria, etc., the smartphone case can be held in a single location to expose the surface to the UVC light for the entire duration of the desired time period, for example 1 second, 5 seconds, or 10 seconds. Optionally, the smartphone case can be scanned over a larger area during the exposure time. The UVC light can be Far UVC light having one or more wavelengths in a range of 200 to 220 nm. Exposure time can range from about 1 second to about 15 seconds.
[0034] At 540 of method 500, the disinfecting LED can be turned off. Turning off the disinfecting LED can be accomplished using a dedicated switch on the smartphone case or using a software application on the smartphone. For example, the disinfecting LED can be turned off as desired or if a predetermined exposure time was selected at 510 of method 500, the disinfecting LED can be turned off automatically after the predetermined exposure time has elapsed. After turning off disinfecting LED, a number of bacteria, viruses, and/or pathogens on the surface of the object is reduced by Log 4.1 or greater. Method 500 can be utilized with or without a smartphone in smartphone case 100.
[0035] Example 1
[0036] The effectiveness of the disclosed method and smartphone case to eliminate viruses, bacteria and/or pathogens was demonstrated by testing. A first disinfecting LED outputting UV light at 218 nm and a second disinfecting LED outputting UV light at 256 nm were used. Testing was conducted on two bacterial specimens, E. coli and G.
Stearothermophilus. The G. Stearothermophilus spore is one of the hardest bacteria to eliminate and is the bacterial standard to ensure medical sterilization of medical instruments. For each test, the bacterial specimens were placed in two petri dishes, a first for testing and a second for use as a control. The number of colony forming units (CFUs) present in the petri dishes was then counted for each test and a control specimen.
[0037] The Log is a measurement of how many CFU/Bacteria there are; as the log increases, the number of CFU/Bacterial becomes multiplied by 10. For example, Log 1 has 10 CFU's versus Log 2 which has 100 CFU's, versus Log 5 which has 100,000 CFU's. As shown in Table 1, the Log Reductions convey how effective a product is at reducing pathogens. The greater the log reduction the more effective the product is at killing bacteria and other pathogens that can cause infections. For Reference, Log 6 reduction is considered medical sterility because it kills 99.9999% of bacteria.
[0038] Table 1
[0039] The disinfecting LEDs were positioned 1 cm above the bacteria for all the tests. A lens was used to direct the UV light from the disinfecting LEDs to the bacterial specimens. For both disinfecting LEDs, the wattage and the exposure times were varied. The results are shown below in Table 2.
[0040] Table 2
[0041] After exposure to the UV light, the number of CFUs present in the test and control specimens was counted. The difference between the number of CFUs present in the control specimen and the number of CFUs present in the test specimen was then expressed as a log reduction. As shown in Table 1, a log reduction of 2 correlates to a 99% reduction of CFUs, a log reduction of 3 corrections to a 99.9% reduction of CFUs, and a 4 log reduction correlates to a 99.99% reduction of CFUs. As shown in Table 2, all exposure times and wattages, for both the 218 nm and 256 nm disinfecting LEDs, effectively eliminated 99% to 99.99% of the bacterial specimens.
[0042] Example 2
[0043] Testing was performed using an Ultraviolet-C silica quantum dot integrated
LED microchip (SQDILM) available from Micronan, Inc. (Anahola, H I) at 218 nm wavelength. Four separate test were conducted, including two different wattage tests at similar distances, one different wattage test at different time and distance, and a positive control to be used to obtain a known response, so that this positive response could be compared to the unknown response of the experiment.
[0044] All the tests, including the positive control test, were performed on the common infective bacteria, E. Coli. The bacteria in all tests were placed on approximately 10 mm by 10mm square slides, allowed to dry, then were either exposed with the UV light (3 slides) or allowed to grow naturally for the positive control (1 slide) test.
[0045] CFUs (Coupon or Colony Forming Units), representing the number of
Bacterial Colonies formed in each sample slide including the control slides, were determined after the experiment was concluded and reported in terms of Log reduction as shown in Table 1.
[0046] An untreated bacterial slide, used as a Positive Control, had a large number of CFU's as seen below.
[0047] Microorganism CFU/Coupon Log
E. Coli 1.6 x106 6.1
[0048] This showed that there are 1,600,000 bacterial colonies formed from the E.
Coli.
[0049] During testing the Positive Control was compared to the 218 nm Wavelength
UV-C emitting LED light at different distances, different times and to different LED Wattage.
[0050] Test 1- 218 nm at 1.25 Watts on E.coli at 3 cm distance for 5 Seconds
[0051] This showed that in comparing this test to the positive control, the E. Coli went from having a log 6.1 in the positive control to a log of less than 2.0, an equal to or greater than 4.1 Log reduction. In essence, the amount of E. coli was 10000 times smaller or eliminated over 99.99% of all the bacteria in this slide experiment in 5 seconds at 3 centimeters away from our LED UV-C source using only 1.25 Watts to power the light.
[0052] Test 2- 218 nm at 1.5 Watts on E. Coli at 3 cm distance for 5 Seconds
[0053] This showed that in comparing this test to the positive control, the E. Coli went from having a log 6.1 in the positive control to a log of less than 2.0, an equal to or greater than 4.1 Log reduction. In essence, the amount of number of E. Coli was 10000 times smaller or eliminated over 99.99% of all the bacteria in this slide experiment in 5
seconds at 3 centimeters away from our LED UV-C source using only 1.5 Watts to power the light.
[0054] Test 3- 218 nm at 1.5 Watts on E. Coli at 3 inches distance for 7 Seconds
[0055] Comparing this test to the positive, the E. Coli went from having a log 6.1 in the positive control to a log of 2.3, a 3.8 Log reduction. In essence, the amount of E. Coli was over 1000 times smaller or eliminated well over 99.9% of all the bacteria in this slide experiment in 7 seconds at 3 inches away from our LED UV-C source using only 1.5 Watts to power the light.
[0056] While the present teachings have been illustrated with respect to one or more implementations, alterations and/or modifications can be made to the illustrated examples without departing from the spirit and scope of the appended claims. For example, it will be appreciated that while the process is described as a series of acts or events, the present teachings are not limited by the ordering of such acts or events. Some acts may occur in different orders and/or concurrently with other acts or events apart from those described herein. For example, steps of the methods have been described as first, second, third, etc. As used herein, these terms refer only to relative order with respect to each other, e.g., first occurs before second. Also, not all process stages may be required to implement a methodology in accordance with one or more aspects or implementations of the present teachings. It will be appreciated that structural components and/or processing stages can be added or existing structural components and/or processing stages can be removed or modified. Further, one or more of the acts depicted herein may be carried out in one or more separate acts and/or phases. Furthermore, to the extent that the terms "including," "includes," "having," "has," "with," or variants thereof are used in either the detailed description and the claims, such terms are intended to be inclusive in a manner similar to the term "comprising." The term "at least one of" is used to mean one or more of the listed items can be selected. As used herein, the term "one or more of" with respect to a
listing of items such as, for example, A and B, means A alone, B alone, or A and B. The term "at least one of" is used to mean one or more of the listed items can be selected. Further, in the discussion and claims herein, the term "on" used with respect to two materials, one "on" the other, means at least some contact between the materials, while "over" means the materials are in proximity, but possibly with one or more additional intervening materials such that contact is possible but not required. Neither "on" nor "over" implies any directionality as used herein. The term "about" indicates that the value listed may be somewhat altered, as long as the alteration does not result in nonconformance of the process or structure to the illustrated implementation. Finally, "exemplary" indicates the description is used as an example, rather than implying that it is an ideal. Other
implementations of the present teachings will be apparent to those skilled in the art from consideration of the specification and practice of the disclosure herein. It is intended that the specification and examples be considered as exemplary only, with a true scope and spirit of the present teachings being indicated by the following claims.
Claims
1. A smartphone case comprising: a rear portion sized and shaped to cover a rear surface of a smartphone; a perimeter portion extending from edges of the rear portion to at least partially cover a perimeter portion of the smartphone; one or more disinfecting light emitting diodes (LEDs) disposed on the rear portion on a side opposite the smartphone, a power supply electrically connected to the LEDs; and a power switch connected to the LEDs and the power supply, wherein the disinfecting LEDs emits UVC light at one or more wavelengths in a range of 200 nm to 220 nm to disinfect without harming human tissue.
2. The smartphone case of claim 1, wherein the smartphone case is formed by coupling two separate pieces.
3. The smartphone case of claim 1, wherein the one or more LEDs comprise 4 or more LEDs.
4. The smartphone case of claim 1, wherein the power switch is disposed on the perimeter portion of the smartphone case.
5. The smartphone case of claim 1, wherein the power switch turns the one or more disinfecting LEDs on and off, and varies an output of the one or more disinfecting
LEDs.
6. The smartphone case of claim 1, wherein the rear portion is formed of a polymer, a metal, a ceramic, glass, or combinations thereof.
7. The smartphone case of claim 1, wherein each of the one or more disinfecting LEDs comprises a power efficiency that ranges from a 1 Watt input yielding about 5 to about 750 milliwatt output.
8. The smartphone case of claim 1, wherein each of the one or more disinfecting LEDs has dimensions ranging from about 4.4 mm x 4.4 mm to about 1 mm x lmm.
9. The smartphone case of claim 1, wherein the one or more disinfecting LEDs reduces a number of bacteria, viruses, or pathogens on a surface by Log 4.1 or greater after exposure for 5 seconds at 3 cm.
10. The smartphone case of claim 1, wherein the one or more disinfecting LEDs have a total power consumption of about 1.0 Watts to about 10 Watts.
11. The smartphone case of claim 1, wherein each of the one or more disinfecting LEDs is powered by about 1.25 Watts.
12. The smartphone case of claim 1, wherein each of the one or more disinfecting LEDs provides UVC light at 218 nm.
13. The smartphone case of claim 1, wherein the each of the one or more disinfecting LED comprises a substrate comprising copper and aluminum, a die comprising aluminum-gallium nitrite, and a plurality of silicon quantum dots.
14. A method of disinfecting comprising: activating an LED disposed within a smartphone case, wherein the LED is configured to output UVC light within a range of 200-220 nm; positioning the smartphone case about 0.5 to about 3.0 inches from an object to be disinfected; exposing the object to UVC light within the range of 200-220 nm for about 1 second to about 15 seconds; and turning off the LED.
15. The method of claim 14 further comprising turning off the LED using an on/off power switch or occurs automatically without having to use the on/off power switch.
16. The method of claim 14, wherein exposing the object to UVC light within the range of 200-220 nm for about 1 second to about 15 seconds reduces a number of bacteria, viruses, and/or pathogens on the object by Log 4.1 or greater.
17. A smartphone case comprising: a rear portion sized and shaped to cover a rear surface of a smartphone; a perimeter portion extending from edges of the rear portion to at least partially cover a perimeter portion of the smartphone; one or more disinfecting light emitting diodes (LEDs) disposed on the rear portion on a side opposite the smartphone, wherein the one or more disinfecting light emitting diodes have a total power consumption of about 1 to about 10 Watts; a power supply electrically connected to the one or more disinfecting LEDs; and wherein the one or more disinfecting LEDs emits UVC light at one or more wavelengths in a range of 200 nm to 220 nm to disinfect without harming human tissue.
18. The smartphone case of claim 17, wherein a power efficiency of each of the one or more disinfecting LEDs is from about 1 Watt input yielding about 5 to about 750 milliwatt.
19. The smartphone case of claim 17, wherein the one or more disinfecting LEDs reduces a number of bacteria, viruses, or pathogens on a surface by Log 4.1 or greater after exposure for 5 seconds at 3 cm.
20. The smartphone case of claim 17, wherein the each of the one or more disinfecting LED comprises a substrate comprising copper and aluminum, a die comprising aluminum-gallium nitrite, and a plurality of silicon quantum dots.
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US201962861696P | 2019-06-14 | 2019-06-14 | |
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US20130063922A1 (en) * | 2011-09-13 | 2013-03-14 | Phonesoap Llc | Portable Electronic Device Sanitizer |
US20140200054A1 (en) * | 2013-01-14 | 2014-07-17 | Fraden Corp. | Sensing case for a mobile communication device |
KR101325902B1 (en) * | 2013-06-14 | 2013-11-07 | 박문수 | Case for mobile |
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