Modulated UV light disinfection system

Abstract

The present disclosure relates to a modulated ultraviolet light disinfection system. The system and method for disinfecting a target space include an ultraviolet (UV) lamp, an occupancy sensor, and a control unit operatively connected to the occupancy sensor and the UV lamp. The UV lamp is configured to emit UV light into the target space. The occupancy sensor is configured to monitor the target space and generate a sensor signal indicating that the target space is occupied by at least one person. The control unit is configured to receive the sensor signal generated by the occupancy sensor and, based on the occupancy of the target space, modulate the irradiance of the UV light emitted by the UV lamp over time.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] Examples of the present disclosure generally relate to ultraviolet (UV) light disinfection systems (e.g., which can be used to disinfect structures and areas within a vehicle), and more specifically, to systems and methods for modulating the irradiance of emitted UV light based on occupancy. Background Art

[0002] Vehicles such as commercial aircraft are used to transport passengers between different locations. In one or more examples, systems are currently being developed that use ultraviolet (UV) light to sterilize or otherwise disinfect surfaces within an aircraft.

[0003] UV light disinfection systems typically include a UV lamp that includes one or more UV light emitters. When a UV light disinfection system is installed in a public space, people may periodically enter and occupy the space. Certain rooms that have UV light disinfection systems installed are configured to immediately deactivate the UV lamp upon detecting that one or more people are in the room to prevent one or more people from receiving a dose of UV light. Even if the occupancy of the room is brief, the UV lamp is automatically controlled to stop emitting UV light, or to reduce the power output of the UV light to a very low nominal level. In rooms or spaces that are regularly occupied, this drastic reaction to occupancy may interfere with the sterilization of components within the room or space by reducing the UV dose applied to the components and extending the time required to reach a predetermined UV dose.

[0004] The UV light disinfection system draws electrical energy from a power source to power the UV lamps. When the UV light disinfection system is powered by a power source with a limited amount of available electrical energy (e.g., a battery pack within a vehicle), the UV light disinfection system's consumption of the available electrical energy depletes the power source, thereby limiting the amount of time the UV lamps can operate before the power source must be replaced or recharged, the irradiance of the UV light emitted by the UV lamps, and / or the electrical energy that can be supplied to other loads (e.g., other electrical devices). In one or more examples, when the UV lamps draw power, it may be difficult to budget power to allow all desired systems to operate normally during a common time period. In cases where the battery is local and integrated into the UV light disinfection system, a predefined amount of electrical energy may be available. Reducing energy usage to increase the duration and / or efficiency of UV lamp operation per charging cycle is beneficial. Even if the power source has sufficient available electrical energy to power the UV lamps, energy costs may be proportional to energy usage, so excessive power consumption may excessively increase energy costs. Summary of the Invention

[0005] What is needed is a system and method for dynamic disinfection of regularly occupied rooms and spaces, wherein the irradiance of UV light is modulated based on the occupancy of the room or space. In one or more examples, the irradiance can be modified in response to the continued occupancy of the room, but not in response to the temporary occupancy of the room.

[0006] In view of this need, certain examples of the present disclosure provide a disinfection system that modulates the irradiance of UV light emitted by a UV lamp. The disinfection system includes an ultraviolet (UV) lamp, an occupancy sensor, and a control unit operatively connected (e.g., communicatively connected) to the occupancy sensor and the UV lamp. The UV lamp is configured to emit UV light into a target space. The occupancy sensor is configured to monitor the target space and generate a sensor signal indicating that the target space is occupied by at least one person. The control unit, including one or more processors, is configured to receive the sensor signal generated by the occupancy sensor and modulate the irradiance of the UV light emitted by the UV lamp over time based on the occupancy of the target space.

[0007] Certain examples of the present disclosure provide a method for disinfecting a target space. The method includes emitting ultraviolet (UV) light into the target space and monitoring the target space via one or more occupancy sensors. The one or more occupancy sensors are configured to generate a sensor signal indicating that the target space is occupied by at least one person. The method also includes analyzing the sensor signal via a control unit including one or more processors, and modulating, via the control unit, the irradiance of the UV light emitted into the target space over time based on the occupancy of the target space.

[0008] Certain examples of the present disclosure provide a disinfection system disposed on a vehicle. The disinfection system includes a first ultraviolet (UV) system, a second UV system, and a control unit including one or more processors and operatively connected to the first UV system and the second UV system. The first UV system includes a first subset of one or more UV lamps and a first subset of one or more occupancy sensors. The first subset of lamps is configured to emit UV light into a first target space within the vehicle, and the first subset of sensors is configured to generate a first sensor signal indicating that the first target space is occupied by at least one person. The second UV system includes a second subset of one or more UV lamps and a second subset of one or more occupancy sensors. The second subset of lamps is configured to emit UV light into a second target space within the vehicle, and the second subset of sensors is configured to generate a second sensor signal indicating that the second target space is occupied by at least one person. The control unit is configured to: (i) receive a first sensor signal generated by the first sensor subset and a second sensor signal generated by the second sensor subset, (ii) modulate the irradiance of UV light emitted by the first lamp subset over time based on the occupancy of the first target space, and (iii) modulate the irradiance of UV light emitted by the second lamp subset over time based on the occupancy of the second target space. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0009] Figure 1 A schematic block diagram of a system for sterilizing components according to an example of the present disclosure is shown.

[0010] Figure 2 A perspective bottom view of a module according to an example of the present disclosure is shown.

[0011] Figure 3 Shown is a perspective bottom view of a first module coupled to a second module according to an example of the present disclosure.

[0012] Figure 4 Shown is a perspective end view of a module according to an example of the present disclosure.

[0013] Figure 5 for Figure 4 Perspective top view of the module.

[0014] Figure 6 for Figure 4 A three-dimensional bottom view of the module.

[0015] Figure 7 A perspective bottom view of a bracket according to an example of the present disclosure is shown.

[0016] Figure 8 for Figure 7 Perspective top view of the bracket.

[0017] Figure 9 Shown is a bottom view of multiple modules coupled together according to examples of the present disclosure.

[0018] Figure 10 Shown is a bottom view of multiple modules coupled together according to examples of the present disclosure.

[0019] Figure 11 Shown is a bottom view of a first module coupled to a second module according to an example of the present disclosure.

[0020] Figure 12 Shown is a bottom view of a first module coupled to a second module according to an example of the present disclosure.

[0021] Figure 13 Shown is a bottom view of a first module coupled to a second module according to an example of the present disclosure.

[0022] 14 illustrates a bottom view of a UV lamp having multiple modules according to an example of the present disclosure.

[0023] 15 illustrates a bottom view of a UV lamp having multiple modules according to an example of the present disclosure.

[0024] Figure 16 Shown is a perspective side view of a wand assembly including a UV lamp according to an example of the present disclosure.

[0025] Figure 17 yes Figure 16 Bottom view of the rod assembly.

[0026] Figure 18 Shown is a perspective view of the interior of a washroom according to an example of the present disclosure.

[0027] Figure 19 Shown is a perspective view of the interior of a washroom according to an example of the present disclosure.

[0028] Figure 20 A perspective bottom view of a UV lamp according to an example of the present disclosure is shown.

[0029] Figure 21 A perspective bottom view of a UV lamp according to an example of the present disclosure is shown.

[0030] Figure 22 A perspective bottom view of a UV lamp according to an example of the present disclosure is shown.

[0031] Figure 23 A top view of a washroom according to an example of the present disclosure is shown.

[0032] Figure 24 for Figure 23 Interior perspective view of the bathroom.

[0033] Figure 25 A perspective view of an infrared sensor according to an example of the present disclosure is shown.

[0034] Figure 26 A flow chart illustrating a method of operating a UV lamp according to an example of the present disclosure is shown.

[0035] Figure 27 A perspective view of a module according to an example of the present disclosure is shown.

[0036] Figure 28 Shown Figure 27 A three-dimensional bottom view of the sub-housing of the module.

[0037] Figure 29 A device is shown secured to a wall according to an example of the present disclosure. Figure 27 Side view of the module.

[0038] Figure 30 Shown is a perspective front view of a module secured to a wall according to an example of the present disclosure.

[0039] Figure 31 Shown is a perspective front view of a module secured to a wall according to an example of the present disclosure.

[0040] Figure 32 Shown is a perspective front view of a module secured to a wall according to an example of the present disclosure.

[0041] Figure 33 Shown is a perspective front view of a module secured to a wall according to an example of the present disclosure.

[0042] Figure 34 A perspective rear view of a sub-housing of a module according to an example of the present disclosure is shown.

[0043] Figure 35 Shown is a perspective view of the interior of a washroom according to an example of the present disclosure.

[0044] Figure 36 A schematic block diagram of a disinfection system that dynamically modulates the irradiance of ultraviolet (UV) light emitted into a space based on occupancy of the space according to an example of the present disclosure is shown.

[0045] Figure 37 An interior perspective view of a disinfection system installed within an interior compartment of a vehicle is shown, according to an example of the present disclosure.

[0046] Figure 38 is a diagram illustrating control operations of a disinfection system according to multiple occupancy scenarios over time.

[0047] Figure 39 A flow chart of a disinfection method according to an example of the present disclosure is shown.

[0048] Figure 40 A perspective front view of an aircraft according to an example of the present disclosure is shown.

[0049] Figure 41A A top view of an interior cabin of an aircraft according to an example of the present disclosure is shown.

[0050] Figure 41B A top view of an interior cabin of an aircraft according to an example of the present disclosure is shown.

[0051] Figure 42 An interior perspective view of an interior cabin of an aircraft according to an example of the present disclosure is shown. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0052] When read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, the foregoing summary of the invention and the detailed description of certain examples below will be better understood. As used herein, an element or step referenced in the singular and preceded by the word "one" or "an" should be understood to not necessarily exclude plural elements or steps. In addition, reference to "an example" is not intended to be interpreted as excluding the existence of additional examples that also incorporate the listed features. In addition, unless explicitly stated to the contrary, an example of "including" or "having" an element or multiple elements with a particular condition may include additional elements that do not have that condition.

[0053] Certain examples of the present disclosure provide a system for disinfecting (in one or more examples, sterilizing, decontaminating, cleaning, etc.) one or more components within a target space. The system includes at least a UV lamp, a sensor (also referred to herein as an occupancy sensor), and a control unit having one or more processors. The system is configured such that the irradiance of UV light emitted by the UV lamp is modulated based on the occupancy of the space. Occupancy of a space refers to both the initial detection of the presence of at least one person in the space and the persistence of the detected presence of at least one person. In one or more examples, occupancy may also refer to the expected or predicted presence of at least one person in the space, for example based on historical data, regardless of whether at least one person is actually detected in the space. The irradiance of UV light generally refers to the power output of the UV light, and more specifically, refers to the radiant flux (e.g., power) received by a surface per unit area, which can be expressed in milliwatts per square centimeter (mW / cm 2) units. In one or more examples, the irradiance is modulated so that the UV light has a full irradiance level to provide a high germicidal dose to one or more components in the target space when the target space is unoccupied. The system modulates the UV light by reducing and changing the irradiance of the UV light in response to one or more individuals periodically occupying the target space. In one or more examples, the system can gradually reduce the irradiance level of the UV light in discrete steps or in a continuous sliding manner during the period of continuous occupancy of the target space. Ultimately, the system can deactivate the UV lamp to stop emitting UV light, or can continuously emit UV light at a low irradiance level that is safe for human tissue when the exposure period is extended.

[0054] In one or more examples, the control unit can include a prediction module or feature that utilizes data analysis, machine learning, and / or artificial intelligence (AI). The prediction module can analyze historical data representing the occupancy of the target space over time to "learn" and generate occupancy trends. The occupancy trends can indicate how often people move through the space over an extended period of time (e.g., a day, a week, a month, a year, etc.). The prediction module can use the occupancy trends to predict upcoming occupancy cycles or periods before the occupancy sensor actually detects them. The control unit can adjust the irradiance of the UV light based on the predicted upcoming occupancy cycle to strike a balance between providing sufficient UV dosage for sterilization without the risk of harm to people in the space.

[0055] In some examples, the UV lamp has one or more UV light emitters and may optionally include one or more wavelength-selective filters. The UV lamp may be an excimer lamp. The UV light emitter may be a light-emitting diode (LED), a light bulb, and / or the like that emits UV light in the far-UV spectrum and / or the UV-C spectrum. The far-UV spectrum includes a wavelength of 222 nm, which can neutralize (e.g., kill) microorganisms (in one or more examples, viruses and bacteria) without posing a risk to humans. The UV-C spectrum includes a wavelength of 254 nm. The UV lamp can be used within an enclosed room to decontaminate and kill pathogens. The enclosed room can be within an interior cabin of a vehicle, such as a commercial aircraft cabin, a galley, and / or a lavatory. In one example, the disinfection system is a fixed system, such that the UV lamp and occupancy sensor are fixedly attached to a location within the room. Alternatively, one or more components of the disinfection system may be portable. In one or more examples, the UV lamp may be mounted on a cart or robot that moves relative to the room to disinfect components within the room. In one or more examples, operating a UV lamp to emit disinfecting UV light at a wavelength within the far UV spectrum or the UVC spectrum can be used with a portable system or a fixed system.

[0056] Figure 1A schematic block diagram of a system 100 for sterilizing a component 102 according to an example of the present disclosure is shown. Component 102 can be any structure to be sterilized with UV light. In one or more examples, component 102 can be a structure within a vehicle, a fixed structure, or the like. For example, component 102 can be a passenger seat within a vehicle, a portion of a restroom (e.g., a toilet, sink, door handle, and / or the like), a vanity, or other such surfaces within a kitchen or galley, and / or the like.

[0057] The system 100 includes a UV lamp 104 that includes a plurality of modules 106 coupled together. In one or more examples, the UV lamp 104 includes a first module 106 coupled to a second module 106. Alternatively, the UV lamp 104 can include more than two modules 106.

[0058] Each module 106 includes one or more UV light emitters 108 configured to emit UV light through aperture 112. UV light emitters 108 can emit UV light in the far UV spectrum (e.g., from 200 nanometers (nm) to 230 nm) and / or in the UV-C spectrum (e.g., from 230 nm to 280 nm). In one or more examples, the UV light emitters can emit UV light at 222 nm. As another example, the UV light emitters 108 can emit UV light at 254 nm. In at least one example, the UV light emitters 108 of a module 106 emit UV light of the same wavelength. In at least one other example, the UV light emitters 108 of a module 106 emit UV light of different wavelengths. In one or more examples, the UV light emitters 108 of a first module 106 emit UV light in the far UV spectrum, while the UV light emitters 108 of a second module 106 emit UV light in the UV-C spectrum, or vice versa.

[0059] The modules 106 are coupled together to form the light-emitting portion of the UV lamp 104. The modules 106 can be removably coupled together. Thus, the UV lamp 104 provides a modular assembly that can be customized to a desired size, shape, and lighting capacity. Furthermore, if a module 106 requires repair, the module 106 can be removed from the UV lamp 104 and replaced in another module 106. Thus, the modules 106 allow for efficient production and maintenance of the UV lamp 104.

[0060] In at least one example, portions of module 106 are covered with one or more electromagnetic interference (EMI) shields 114. In one or more examples, in at least one example, one or more UV light emitters 108 are surrounded by one or more surfaces having EMI shield 114, with aperture 112 uncovered by EMI shield 114. In at least one example, EMI shield 114 is a metal cover, such as a foil formed of aluminum, steel, or the like, that covers the housing of module 106, with aperture 112 remaining uncovered. Optionally, module 106 does not include EMI shield 114.

[0061] The UV lamp 104 can be a fixture within a room or area. In one or more examples, the UV lamp 104 can be affixed within a bathroom, a pantry, a kitchen, or various other areas. The UV lamp 104 can be fixed in position within the area. Alternatively, the UV lamp 104 can be moved between a stowed position and a deployed position within the area. In at least one other example, the UV lamp 104 can be removably affixed to various structures, such as a fixed chassis located within the area (e.g., within a vehicle).

[0062] In at least one example, the system 100 further includes an infrared (IR) sensor 116 that communicates with a control unit 118 (e.g., via one or more wired connections or wireless connections). The control unit 118 also communicates with the UV light emitter 108 of the module 106 (e.g., via one or more wired connections or wireless connections). In at least one example, the UV lamp 104 includes the IR sensor 116 and / or the control unit 118. Alternatively, the IR sensor 116 and / or the control unit 118 can be located remotely from the UV lamp 104.

[0063] In operation, the control unit 118 selectively activates and deactivates the UV light emitters 108 based on IR signals transmitted and received by the IR sensor 116. In one or more examples, the IR sensor 116 is configured to receive an IR light signal 119 emitted by the IR source 120 (either directly by the IR source 120 or indirectly from a reflector that receives and reflects the IR light signal 119 from the IR source 120). When the IR sensor 116 receives the IR light signal 119, the IR sensor outputs a sensed IR signal 122 to the control unit 118. Based on the received sensed IR signal 122, the control unit 118 activates one or more UV light emitters 108 to emit UV light. However, if the IR sensor 116 does not receive the IR light signal 119 (e.g., if the IR light signal 119 is blocked by a person), the IR sensor does not output the sensed IR signal 122 to the control unit 118. In response to not receiving the sensed IR signal 122, the control unit 118 deactivates the UV light emitters 108 so that they do not emit UV light.

[0064] In at least one example, an enable switch 124 communicates with the control unit 118 (e.g., via one or more wired connections or a wireless connection). The enable switch 124 can be fixedly attached to the UV lamp 104. That is, the UV lamp 104 can include the enable switch 124. Alternatively, the enable switch 124 can be located remote from the UV lamp 104. When the enable switch 124 is engaged to enable the UV light emitter 108, the control unit 118 operates as explained above (i.e., the control unit 118 selectively enables and disables the UV light emitter based on a signal received from the IR sensor 116). When the enable switch 124 is disengaged so that the UV light emitter 108 is not emitting UV light, the control unit 118 maintains the UV light emitter 108 in the disabled state even if a sensed IR signal 122 is received from the IR sensor 116. Alternatively, the system 100 may not include an enable switch.

[0065] In at least one example, the system 100 includes a UV lamp 104 having a UV light emitter 108 (whether or not within the module 106). In one or more examples, the UV lamp 104 can be a single, non-modular component that communicates with a control unit 118 that selectively activates and deactivates the UV light emitter 108 as described herein. In at least one other example, the system 100 does not include the IR sensor 116 or the IR source 120.

[0066] As used herein, the terms "control unit," "central processing unit," "CPU," "computer," or the like may include any processor-based or microprocessor-based system, including systems using microcontrollers, reduced instruction set computer systems (RISC), application specific integrated circuits (ASICs), logic circuits, and any other circuits or processors including hardware, software, or a combination thereof capable of performing the functions described herein. This is exemplary only and, thus, is not intended to limit in any way the definition and / or meaning of such terms. In one or more examples, the control unit 118 (and Figure 36 The control unit 604 shown in may be or include one or more processors configured to control operations as described herein.

[0067] The control unit 118 and the control unit 604 are configured to execute instruction sets stored in one or more data storage units or elements (e.g., one or more memories) to process data. In one or more examples, the control unit 118 and the control unit 604 may include or be connected to one or more memories. The data storage unit may also store data or other information as desired or needed. The data storage unit may be in the form of an information source or a physical storage element within a processing machine.

[0068] The instruction set may include various commands that instruct the control unit 118 and the control unit 604 to act as a processor to perform specific operations (e.g., the methods and processes of the various examples of the subject matter described herein). The instruction set may be in the form of a software program. The software may be in various forms such as system software or application software. In addition, the software may be in the form of a collection of separate programs, a subset of programs within a larger program, or a portion of a program. The software may also include modular programming in the form of object-oriented programming. The processing of input data by the processor may be in response to user commands, or in response to the results of previous processing, or in response to a request issued by another processor.

[0069] The schematic diagrams of the examples herein may illustrate one or more control or processing units, such as control unit 118 and control unit 604. It should be understood that a processing or control unit may represent a circuit, circuit system, or a portion thereof, which may be implemented as hardware having associated instructions for performing the operations described herein (e.g., software stored on a tangible and non-transitory computer-readable storage medium, such as a computer hard drive, ROM, RAM, or the like). The hardware may include a state machine circuit system hardwired to perform the functions described herein. Alternatively, the hardware may include an electronic circuit that includes and / or is connected to one or more logic-based devices, such as a microprocessor, processor, controller, or the like. Alternatively, control unit 118 and control unit 618 may represent a processing circuit, such as one or more of a field programmable gate array (FPGA), an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a microprocessor, or the like. The circuits in the various examples may be configured to execute one or more algorithms to perform the functions described herein. Whether or not explicitly identified in a flowchart or method, the one or more algorithms may include multiple aspects of the examples disclosed herein.

[0070] As used herein, the terms "software" and "firmware" are interchangeable and include any computer program stored in a data storage unit (in one or more examples, one or more memories), including RAM memory, ROM memory, EPROM memory, EEPROM memory, and non-volatile RAM (NVRAM) memory, for execution by a computer. The above data storage unit types are exemplary only and, therefore, do not limit the types of memory that can be used to store a computer program.

[0071] Although Figure 1 The UV lamp 104 in FIG. 1 is shown as including two modules 106, each module 106 including one or more light emitters 108, but the various examples described herein are not limited to Figure 1The specific composition of the UV lamp 104 is shown in FIG. In one or more examples, the UV lamp 104 can have a single module 106 and / or a single UV light emitter 108.

[0072] Figure 2 A perspective bottom view of a module 106 according to an example of the present disclosure is shown. The module 106 includes a housing 130 that holds a plurality of UV light emitters 108 that are configured to emit UV light through an aperture 112. As shown, the module 106 includes a first plurality of UV light emitters 108a and a second plurality of UV light emitters 108b. The first plurality of UV light emitters 108a is contained within a first sub-housing 132, while the second plurality of UV light emitters 108b is contained within a second sub-housing 134 that is different from the first sub-housing 132. Each of the first sub-housing 132 and the second sub-housing 134 may contain more or fewer UV light emitters 108 than shown. Optionally, the module 106 may include a housing that holds Figure 2 In at least one example, module 106 can include a single subhousing for all of the UV light emitters 108 shown in FIG.

[0073] Figure 3 1 shows a perspective bottom view of a first module 106a coupled to a second module 106b according to an example of the present disclosure. A first end 140 of the first module 106a is coupled to an opposite second end 142 of the second module 106b. Alternatively, the first module 106a and the second module 106b may be coupled together in a side-to-side manner. Another module ( Figure 3 ) can be coupled to the second end 144 of the first module 106a. In addition, another module ( Figure 3 ) may be coupled to the first end 146 of the second module 106b.

[0074] Modules 106a and 106b, as well as additional modules, can be stacked end-to-end and / or side-to-side as desired to provide various illumination modes. The first module 106a and the second module 106b can be removably coupled together (e.g., via one or more fasteners, couplings, dovetail joints, lap joints, plug and socket connections, and / or the like). Thus, the first module 106a and the second module 106b can be effectively coupled together. Furthermore, the first module 106a and the second module 106b can be disconnected (e.g., if one of the first module 106 or the second module 106b requires repair or is to be replaced).

[0075] Figure 4A perspective end view of module 106 is shown according to an example of the present disclosure. Figure 5 Shown Figure 4 A perspective top view of module 106 is provided. Figure 6 Shown Figure 4 A perspective bottom view of module 106. Figures 4 to 6 For clarity, certain exterior wall portions 106 of the module are not shown to allow for the interior components to be shown.

[0076] In at least one example, housing 130 includes a bracket 150 having a platform 152 extending between opposing sidewalls 154 and 156. Platform 152 includes an upper surface 158 opposite a lower surface 160. A partition wall 161 extends upward from upper surface 156. A first power chamber 162 is defined between upper surface 158, an interior surface 163 of sidewall 154, and a first side surface 165 of partition wall 161. A second power chamber 164 is defined between upper surface 158, an interior surface 167 of sidewall 156, and a second side surface 169 of partition wall 161 (opposite first side surface 165). A transmitter chamber 170 is defined between lower surface 158, interior surface 163 of sidewall 154, and interior surface 167 of sidewall 156.

[0077] The first power source 172 is fixed in the first power chamber 162. The second power source 174 is fixed in the second power chamber 164. Figures 1 to 6 The first power source 172 and the second power source 174 may be batteries and / or power interfaces, connections, and / or the like configured to provide power to the UV light emitter 108 .

[0078] In at least one example, a frame 176 is secured within the emitter housing 170 (e.g., by one or more fasteners, couplings, and / or the like). The frame 176 holds the first subhousing 132 and the second subhousing 134. The UV light emitters 108 of the first subhousing 132 and the second subhousing 134 are electrically coupled to the first power source 172 and the second power source 174, respectively (e.g., by wires passing through slots, channels, or other such openings formed in the platform 152).

[0079] The platform 152 separates and isolates the frame 176 (including the UV light emitter 108) from the first power source 172 and the second power source 174. In addition, the partition wall 161 separates and isolates the first power source 172 from the second power source 174. In at least one example, the first power source 172 and the second power source 174 can be high voltage power sources (e.g., 2 kV), and thus, the separation and isolation between them and from the frame 176 ensures reliable and efficient operation.

[0080] As shown, the first power supply 172 and the second power supply 174 are stacked above a frame 176 that holds the first sub-housing 132 and the second sub-housing 134. Alternatively, a single power supply can be used to power the UV light emitters 108 of the first sub-housing 132 and the second sub-housing 134. In at least one example, the bracket 150 may not include the dividing wall 161. In at least one other example, the power supply may be remote from the module 106.

[0081] Figure 7 A perspective bottom view of a bracket 150 is shown according to an example of the present disclosure. Figure 8 Shown Figure 7 A perspective top view of the bracket 150. Figure 7 and Figure 8 , the bracket 150 may include one or more channels 180 (eg, slots) formed through the platform 152. Figures 1 to 8 In one or more examples, channel 180 allows for routing of wiring between UV light emitter 108 and power source 172 and / or power source 174. Alternatively, bracket 150 may not include channel 180. In one or more examples, for example, routing of wiring may be done around an end edge of platform 152.

[0082] As shown, sidewalls 154 and 156 may include inwardly sloping sections 155 and 157, respectively, to define a first power chamber 162 and a second power chamber 164, respectively. The free ends of the inwardly sloping sections are angled toward partition wall 161. Inwardly sloping sections 155 and 157 provide a more compact bracket 150 that takes up less space. Optionally, sidewalls 154 and 156 may also or alternatively include inwardly sloping sections. Alternatively, bracket 150 may not include inwardly sloping sections.

[0083] Figure 9 Shown is a bottom view of a plurality of modules 106a, 106b, and 106c coupled together according to an example of the present disclosure. The first end 140a of module 106a is affixed to the second end 142b of module 106b. The first end 140b of module 106b is affixed to the second end 142c of module 106c. As shown, modules 106a, 106b, and 106c are aligned linearly in the X direction with an end-to-end configuration. Alternatively, one or more of modules 106a, 106b, and 106c can be aligned in the Y direction with an edge-to-edge configuration. Wire 190 is routed to each of modules 106a, 106b, and 106c.

[0084] Figure 10A bottom view of a plurality of modules 106a, 106b, 106c, and 106d coupled together according to an example of the present disclosure is shown. As shown, module 106d can be affixed to module 106b in an edge-to-edge manner. Alternatively, module 106d can be coupled to either module 106a or 106c. In at least one other example, additional modules (not shown) can be coupled to each of modules 106a, 106b, or 106c in an edge-to-edge configuration.

[0085] Figure 11 A bottom view of a first module 106a coupled to a second module 106b is shown according to an example of the present disclosure. The first module 106a is coupled to the second module 106b via bonding at a bonding interface 192 between the first module 106a and the second module 106b.

[0086] Figure 12 Shown is a bottom view of a first module 106a coupled to a second module 106b according to an example of the present disclosure.The first module 106a is coupled to the second module 106b via a connecting joint 194 (eg, a dovetail joint).

[0087] Figure 13 A bottom view of a first module 106a coupled to a second module 106b according to an example of the present disclosure is shown. The first module 106a is coupled to the second module 106b via one or more connection joints 196 (e.g., lap joints at the connection ends and / or connection sides). Fasteners such as screws or bolts and / or bonding can be used to secure the connection joints 196 to the first and second modules 106a, 106b.

[0088] 14 shows a bottom view of a UV lamp 104 having a plurality of modules 106 according to an example of the present disclosure. The UV lamp 104 can include a battery 200 (e.g., a 24V battery) that provides power to the power supply of the modules 106. In at least one example, the battery 200 is configured to mate with a power cord 202 to be charged.

[0089] 15 shows a bottom view of a UV lamp 104 having multiple modules 106 according to an example of the present disclosure. In this example, the UV lamp 104 may not include a battery. Instead, the UV lamp receives power from a power cord 202.

[0090] Figure 16 A perspective side view of a wand assembly 210 including a UV lamp 104 is shown, according to an example of the present disclosure. Figure 17 Shown Figure 16 Bottom view of the rod assembly. Figure 16 and Figure 17, the wand assembly 210 includes a disinfection head 212 coupled to a handle 213. The disinfection head 212 includes a housing 214 that holds the UV lamp 104. The battery 200 can be held within the housing 214.

[0091] In at least one example, the disinfection head 212 is configured to move relative to the handle 213. In one or more examples, the disinfection head 212 can extend and / or rotate relative to the handle 213. In at least one other example, the disinfection head 212 is fixed relative to the handle 213. The wand assembly 210 may include a UV lamp 104 having a plurality of modules 106, as described with respect to FIG. Figure 1 to Figure 1 Any of the ones described in 5.

[0092] Figure 18 A perspective view of the interior of a lavatory 220 according to an example of the present disclosure is shown. The lavatory 220 may be within an interior cabin of a vehicle such as a commercial aircraft. The lavatory 220 includes a toilet 222 and a vanity 224 having a sink 226 and a faucet 228. One or more UV lamps 104 are disposed within the lavatory 220. The UV lamps 104 may be disposed within the interior of a vehicle such as a commercial aircraft. Figure 1 to Figure 1 5 as described in any one of the above.

[0093] The UV lamp 104 is configured to emit UV light to sterilize one or more components within the bathroom 220 (e.g., a toilet 222, a vanity 224, a sink 226, a faucet 228, a floor 230, one or more walls 232, and / or the like). In at least one example, the UV lamp 104 can be fixed to a certain position. In at least one other example, the UV lamp 104 can be configured to move. In one or more examples, the UV lamp 104 can move between a stowed position and a deployed position.

[0094] Figure 19 FIG2 shows an internal perspective view of a bathroom 220 according to an example of the present disclosure. Figure 1 and Figure 19 In this example, the UV lamp 104 includes an IR sensor 116 that receives an IR light signal 119 from an IR source 120. The IR source 120 is configured to transmit the IR light signal 119 across an area where a person might be if the person were occupying the restroom 220.

[0095] IR sensor 116 may be aimed at IR source 120 to receive IR light signal 119 directly from IR source 120. Alternatively, IR source 120 may be configured to transmit IR light signal 119 at a reflector (eg, a mirror) that reflects IR light signal 119 toward IR source 120.

[0096] The IR sensor 116 can be mounted directly to the UV lamp 104, for example, on the housing. In at least one example, the IR sensor 116 can be fixed to the module 106. In at least one example, a plurality of modules 106 include the IR sensor 116. In at least one other example, the IR sensor 116 is remote from the UV lamp 104 (e.g., spaced apart from the UV lamp 104).

[0097] As shown, the IR sensor 116 can be affixed to an end or corner of the UV lamp 104. The IR sensor 116 is configured to receive an IR light signal 119 directly from an IR source 120 or indirectly from the IR light source 120 as reflected by one or more reflectors 121. In one or more examples, the IR light signal 119 can be a laser or a narrow non-laser optical signal.

[0098] As shown, IR light signal 119 is configured to extend through a portion of bathroom 220 so that a person entering or leaving the room crosses the path of IR light signal 119 and interrupts IR light signal 119. Because the path between IR source 120 and IR sensor 116 is interrupted, IR sensor 116 does not receive IR light signal 119. When IR sensor 116 does not receive IR light signal 119, control unit 118 does not receive sensed IR signal 122 from IR sensor 116. Furthermore, IR light signal 119 is directed in such a manner that a person within bathroom 220 will interrupt IR light signal 119.

[0099] The control unit 118 operates to ensure that the UV light emitter 108 is deactivated when a person is in the bathroom 220 (or other such room where the UV lamp 104 is used). Figure 23 and Figure 24 The control unit 118 determines whether the room is occupied or unoccupied by communicating with the door sensor 242 shown. If the room is occupied, the control unit 118 deactivates the UV light emitter 108. If the room is unoccupied, the control unit 118 may activate the UV light emitter 108 to sterilize one or more components in the room.

[0100] Figure 20 FIG. 1 shows a perspective bottom view of a UV lamp 104 according to an example of the present disclosure. Figure 1 and Figure 2 , the UV lamp 104 includes a housing 240 having a plurality of UV light emitters 108 (whether or not within the module 106). The IR sensor 116 is secured to the housing 240 and oriented in a direction to receive the IR light signal 119.

[0101] The control unit 118 is in communication with the IR sensor 116 and the UV light emitter 108. In at least one example, the door sensor 242 is also in communication with the control unit 118 (e.g., via one or more wired connections or wireless connections). In one or more examples, the door sensor 242 is a Hall effect sensor. The door sensor 242 is configured to detect whether a room (e.g., Figure 18 and Figure 19 The control unit 118 selectively activates and deactivates the UV light emitter 108 based on the IR signal received from the IR sensor 116 (in one or more examples, the receipt and non-reception of such an IR signal) and the door signal received from the door sensor 242 (in one or more examples, a signal indicating that the door is open or closed). Optionally, the control unit 118 does not communicate with the door sensor.

[0102] Figure 21 A perspective bottom view of a UV lamp 104 according to an example of the present disclosure is shown. In this embodiment, an IR sensor 116 is located remotely from the UV lamp 104 and communicates with a control unit 118 through one or more wired or wireless connections.

[0103] Figure 22 1. A perspective bottom view of a UV lamp 104 according to an example of the present disclosure is shown. As shown, the housing 240 may include an extension 245. The IR sensor 116 may be mounted on the extension 245.

[0104] Figure 23 A top view of a lavatory 220 is shown, according to an example of the present disclosure. Figure 24 Shown Figure 23 220 of the interior perspective view of the bathroom. Figure 1 and Figures 19 to 24 , a door sensor 242 (e.g., a Hall effect sensor) is configured to cooperate with a magnet 260 located on a door 262 of the lavatory 220 to determine when the door 262 is open or closed. In one or more examples, when the magnet 260 contacts or is very close to the door sensor 242 (e.g., within 6 inches or less), the door sensor 242 outputs a signal to the control unit 118 indicating that the door 262 is closed. In at least one example, the door sensor 242 can be fixed to the housing 240 of the UV lamp 104.

[0105] In at least one example, the control unit 118 deactivates the UV light emitter 108 of the UV lamp 104 in response to the IR sensor 116 not receiving the sensed IR signal 122 from the IR sensor 116. Conversely, the control unit 118 activates the UV light emitter 108 in response to receiving the sensed IR signal 122 from the IR sensor 116 and receiving a signal from the door sensor 242 indicating that the door 262 is closed to sterilize one or more components within the washroom 220. In at least one example, the control unit 118 deactivates the UV light emitter 108 in response to receiving a signal from the door sensor 242 indicating that the door 262 is open (even if the control unit 118 receives the sensed IR signal 122 from the IR sensor 116).

[0106] Figure 25 A perspective view of an IR sensor 116 according to an example of the present disclosure is shown. In at least one example, the IR sensor 116 includes a socket 270 that movably holds a ball 272. The ball 272 holds a sensing element 274 that is configured to receive and detect IR light signals. Figure 25 The ball and socket configuration shown in allows the sensing element 274 to be moved to a desired orientation and alignment to receive IR light signals. Alternatively, the IR sensor 116 may not include a movable element (eg, a ball 272 movably held within the socket 270).

[0107] refer to Figure 1 and Figures 19 to 25 In at least one example, the control unit 118 activates the UV light emitter 108 in response to determining that the bathroom 220 (or other such room) is vacant and unoccupied. In one or more examples, in response to receiving a signal from the door sensor 242 that the door 262 is open and receiving the sensed IR light signal 12 for at least one second, followed by receiving a signal from the door sensor 242 that the door 262 is closed and receiving the sensed IR light signal 122 for at least one more second, the control unit 118 activates the UV light emitter 108 for a predetermined disinfection period (e.g., 5 seconds). If the control unit 118 detects that the door 262 is open during the disinfection period, the control unit 118 immediately deactivates the UV light emitter 108.

[0108] Furthermore, if the control unit 118 detects that the IR sensor 116 is not receiving the IR light signal 119 (e.g., by not receiving the sensed IR light signal 122 from the IR sensor), the control unit 118 deactivates the UV light emitter 108. This interruption of the IR light signal 119 may trigger a reset event, in which the control unit 118 may then re-enable the UV light emitter 108 after determining that the door 262 has been opened, receiving the sensed IR light signal 122 from the IR sensor 116, the door 262 being subsequently closed, and further receiving the sensed IR light signal 122 from the IR sensor 116.

[0109] Figure 26 A flow chart showing a method of operating a UV lamp according to an example of the present disclosure is shown. Figure 1 and Figures 19 to 26 At 300, the control unit 118 determines that the door 262 is open (e.g., via a signal received from the door sensor 242). At 302, the control unit 118 determines whether a sensed IR light signal 122 is received from the IR sensor 116. If not, the method proceeds to 304, where the control unit 118 deactivates the UV light emitter 108, and the method then returns to 300.

[0110] However, if a sensed IR light signal 122 is received from the IR sensor 116 at 302 , the control unit 118 determines (eg, via a signal received from the door sensor 242 ) whether the door 262 is closed. If the door is not closed, the method returns to 304 .

[0111] However, at 308 , if the door 262 is closed, the control unit 118 determines whether a sensed IR light signal 122 is received. If not, the method returns to 304 .

[0112] However, if the control unit 118 determines at 308 that the sensed IR light signal 122 is received, the control unit 118 operates the UV lamp 104 to emit UV light from the UV light emitter 108 for a predetermined disinfection time (e.g., 3 to 5 seconds) at 310. At 312, if the control unit 118 determines that the door 262 is opened during the predetermined disinfection time, the method returns to 304, where the control unit 118 immediately deactivates the UV light emitter 304.

[0113] However, if the door is not opened during the predetermined disinfection time at 312, the method proceeds from 312 to 314 where the control unit 118 operates the UV light emitter 108 to continue emitting UV light until the predetermined time expires, at which point the UV light emitter 108 is deactivated. The process then returns to 300.

[0114] Figure 271 shows a perspective view of a module 106 according to an example of the present disclosure. The module 106 includes a sub-housing 400 that holds one or more UV light emitters 108. The sub-housing 400 is coupled to a power source 402 via a cable 404. Figures 4 to 6 , the sub-housing 400 and the power supply 402 may not be secured within a common bracket. Alternatively, in one or more examples, the sub-housing 400 and the power supply 402 may be secured to a bracket, such as with respect to FIG. Figures 4 to 6 Bracket 150 is shown and described.

[0115] An EMI shield 114 (in one or more examples, a first EMI shield) is disposed around portions of the subhousing 400. In at least one example, the EMI shield 114 is disposed around all portions of the subhousing 400 except for the aperture 112. For example, the EMI shield 114 is a metal foil (in one or more examples, a stainless steel, aluminum, or similar foil) that extends around portions of the subhousing 400. The EMI shield 114 blocks, attenuates, or otherwise prevents EMI that may be generated by the operation of the UV light emitter 108 from passing therethrough (and / or blocks EMI from passing into the subhousing 400).

[0116] EMI shield 114 (in one or more examples, a second EMI shield) can also extend around portions of power supply 402 and / or cable 404. In one or more examples, EMI shield 114 can wrap around all portions of power supply 402 and / or cable 404. In at least one example, EMI shield 114 covers the entire module 106, including subhousing 400, power supply 402, and cable 404, excluding aperture 112. EMI shield 114 blocks, attenuates, or otherwise prevents EMI from passing between subhousing 400 and power supply 402.

[0117] Furthermore, by separating the sub-housing 400 from the power supply 402 (and connecting them via the cable 404), the module 106 can be more easily integrated and used in certain confined areas where retaining a common housing for both may be too large. Figure 27 The sub-housing 400 shown in FIG. 4 has a low profile and can fit into a smaller space.

[0118] The EMI shield 114 may be used with any of the examples described herein. Figure 27 ) can be used with any of the examples described herein, whether with or without the EMI shield 114.

[0119] Figure 28 Shown Figure 27 10. A perspective bottom view of the subhousing 400 of the module 106 is shown. In at least one example, an EMI mesh 410 is disposed within the aperture 112. The EMI mesh 410 includes a plurality of longitudinal beams 412 intersecting with a plurality of lateral beams 414, defining channels 416 between the plurality of longitudinal beams 412 and the plurality of lateral beams 414. In one or more examples, the beams 412 and 414 can have a thickness between 0.001" and 0.010". In this manner, the EMI mesh 410 can, in one or more examples, be a mesh screen or cage. The EMI mesh 410 also prevents EMI from entering or exiting the module 106. In at least one example, the EMI mesh 410 can be formed from stainless steel. Alternatively, the module 106 does not include the EMI mesh 410.

[0120] Figure 29 Shown is a fixed to the wall 440 according to an example of the present disclosure Figure 27 4. A side view of the module 106 is shown. The sub-housing 400 can be mounted on a first surface 442 (e.g., an outer surface or an inner surface) of the wall 440, and the power supply 402 can be disposed behind the wall 440. In one or more examples, the power supply 402 can be affixed behind a second surface 444 (opposite to the first surface) of the wall 440. The opening 446 formed by the wall 440 is configured to allow the cable 404 to pass therethrough. In this way, the wall 440 also isolates the sub-housing 400 from the power supply 402.

[0121] Wall 440 may be part of a room. In one or more examples, wall 440 may be a bathroom (e.g. Figure 18 、 Figure 19 、 Figure 23 and Figure 24 The wall of the bathroom 220 shown in FIG.

[0122] Figure 30 A perspective front side view of module 106 affixed to wall 440 is shown according to an example of the present disclosure. Subhousing 400 may be affixed to wall 440 in such a manner that front face 460 including aperture 112 is flush with front surface 462 of wall 440.

[0123] Figure 31 A perspective front side view of the module 106 is shown secured to the wall 440 in accordance with an example of the present disclosure. In this example, the subhousing 400 may be secured within a surrounding collar 470 that mounts the subhousing 400 to the wall 440.

[0124] Figure 32 A perspective front view of a module 106 secured to a wall 440 is shown according to an example of the present disclosure. Figure 31The example shown in is similar, except that the aperture 112 may be angled (ie, non-parallel) to the front surface 462 of the wall 440 .

[0125] Figure 33 FIG2 shows a perspective front view of a module 106 secured to a wall 440 according to an example of the present disclosure. In this example, a shield 500, such as a metal cylinder, is secured to and / or behind the wall 440. The power supply 402 (in one or more examples, such as Figure 29 ) is held within shield 500. In this example, shield 500 provides EMI shielding for power supply 402. Additional EMI shielding (e.g., in the form of metal foil) may or may not extend around power supply 402 within shield 500.

[0126] In at least one example, shield 500 is configured to fit and remain within an opening formed in wall 440. Thus, shield 500 can be easily installed into wall 440.

[0127] Figure 34 A perspective rear view of the sub-housing 400 of the module 106 according to an example of the present disclosure is shown. As shown, the sub-housing 400 may include a cooling fan 510 and a plurality of vents 512. The cooling fan 510 operates during operation to cool the UV light emitter 108, and the vents 512 draw in cooling air and / or allow air within the sub-housing 400 to pass therethrough. The cooling fan 510 and the vents 512 may be used with any of the examples described herein. In examples where an EMI shield covers a portion of the sub-housing 400, the EMI shield does not cover the cooling fan 510 and the vents 512.

[0128] The size and shape of the vent 512 can be determined based on EMI wavelength requirements. In one or more examples, and in at least one example, the vent 512 can be between 0.5" and 1.0".

[0129] Figure 35 A perspective view of the interior of a bathroom 220 according to an example of the present disclosure is shown. According to any example described herein, the bathroom 220 can include multiple UV lamps. In one or more examples, the first UV lamp 104a is configured to emit UV light onto the flush handle of the toilet 222. The second UV lamp 104b is configured to emit UV light onto the washbasin 224 including the sink 226 and the faucet 228. In one or more examples, the UV lamp 104c is configured to emit UV light onto the door handle. The bathroom 220 can include more or fewer UV lamps than shown.

[0130] Figure 36A schematic block diagram of a disinfection system 600 for dynamically modulating the irradiance of ultraviolet (UV) light emitted into a space based on the occupancy of the space according to an example of the present disclosure is shown. The disinfection system 600 includes a UV lamp 602, a control unit 604, and a sensor (eg, an occupancy sensor) 606.

[0131] In one or more examples, the UV lamp 602 can be a continuous UV lamp (ie, not formed from multiple modules) having one or more UV light emitters 108, as described with respect to FIG. Figure 1 As described. Optionally, the UV lamp 602 can be formed from multiple modules, as described herein. The UV lamp 608 includes a power supply 608. The power supply 608 provides electrical energy (e.g., current) to one or more UV light emitters 108 to generate UV light. The power supply 608 can include an energy storage device, such as a battery (e.g., battery 200 shown in FIG. 14 ), a capacitor, and / or the like. The power supply 608 can also include electrical wiring (e.g., electrical wiring 202 in FIG. 14 ) for recharging the energy storage device. In at least one other example, the power supply 608 includes electrical wiring but no energy storage device, so that electrical energy received from an external power source is used to generate UV light without storing the electrical energy in the UV lamp 602. The power supply 608 can include or be connected to control circuitry and / or switching devices that can be controlled by the control unit 604 to dynamically modulate the power supplied to the UV light emitters 108 according to the operations and algorithms described herein.

[0132] The UV lamp 602 may also include a wavelength selective filter 610 configured to block one or more wavelengths of UV light from being emitted into the target space. In one or more examples, one or more UV light emitters 108 may be mounted within the housing of the UV lamp 602, and the wavelength selective filter 610 may be attached to the housing, extending across the path of the UV light emitted from the one or more UV light emitters 108. The wavelength selective filter 610 may function as a bandpass filter (which absorbs or blocks light of wavelengths both above and below a transmission region (referred to as a bandpass region)), a bandstop filter (which absorbs or blocks only light of wavelengths within a specified bandstop region), a shortpass filter (which absorbs or blocks only light of wavelengths above the transmission region), or a longpass filter (which absorbs or blocks only light of wavelengths below the transmission region). The term transmission region generally refers to the wavelength range of light that is allowed to pass through the wavelength selective filter according to the examples described herein. In one or more examples, the wavelength selective filter 610 may be designed as a bandpass filter that only allows a narrow range of UV wavelengths to be transmitted into the target space. The narrow wavelength range allowed to pass through the filter can be within the far UV and / or UV-C spectrum, for example, a narrow range set between 200 nm and 280 nm. The narrow wavelength range can have a width of less than 20 nm, for example, less than 10 nm or even less than 6 nm. The narrow wavelength range can be centered around a specific wavelength (e.g., 222 nm).

[0133] The control unit 604 is operatively connected (e.g., communicatively coupled) to the UV lamp 602 and the occupancy sensor 606 via a wired and / or wireless communication path. The control unit 604 generates control signals that control the operation of the UV lamp 602. The control signals can control the operation of the UV lamp 602 by controlling the presence and characteristics (e.g., voltage, current, phase, etc.) of electrical energy supplied to the UV light emitter 108. The control signals can be generated based at least in part on sensor signals generated over time by the occupancy sensor 606. As described above, the control unit 604 represents hardware circuitry that includes and / or is coupled to one or more processors 612 (e.g., one or more microprocessors, integrated circuits, microcontrollers, field programmable gate arrays, etc.). The control unit 604 includes and / or is coupled to a tangible and non-transitory computer-readable storage medium (e.g., memory) 614. In one or more examples, memory 614 can store programming instructions (eg, software) that are executed by one or more processors 612 to perform the operations of control unit 604 described herein.

[0134] Occupancy sensor 606 is configured to monitor a target space and generate a sensor signal over time that indicates the occupancy (e.g., occupancy status) of the target space. In one or more examples, occupancy sensor 606 may use various operating mechanisms to detect when one or more people are in the space. Occupancy sensor 606 may be a photoelectric sensor that transmits an electromagnetic beam along an optical path and detects the interruption of the beam. The beam may be infrared (IR), laser, or the like. In another example, occupancy sensor 606 may be a pressure sensor disposed under the floor or within a seat to detect pressure exerted by the presence of a person in the space. Occupancy sensor 606 may be a camera with a processing unit that analyzes image data generated by the camera to detect the presence of a person in the space. In another example, sensor 606 may be an acoustic sensor that detects sounds indicating the presence of a person in the space, such as the sound of a person walking through the space, the sound of a person speaking, the sound of a door opening, etc. In yet another example, occupancy sensor 606 may be an optical proximity and / or motion sensor that transmits electromagnetic energy to detect the distance between sensor 606 and an object in front of sensor 606. The occupancy sensor 606 may be a contact sensor, such as a Hall effect sensor, integrated with a door or seat and detecting when the door or seat is moved. The occupancy sensor 606 generates a sensor signal at regular intervals or in response to detecting a changing condition in the space and transmits the sensor signal to the control unit 604.

[0135] Figure 37 A perspective interior view of a disinfection system 600 installed within an interior cabin 700 of a vehicle, according to an example of the present disclosure, is shown. Interior cabin 700 represents at least one room. Interior cabin 700 includes a passenger section 702, a galley 704, and a cabin transition area or corridor 706 connecting passenger section 702 to galley 704. The vehicle may be a commercial aircraft, train, bus, ship, or the like. An occupancy sensor 606 and a UV lamp 602 are fixedly mounted to a wall within interior cabin 700. In the illustrated example, occupancy sensor 606 is separate and spaced from UV lamp 602. In one or more examples, occupancy sensor 606 is positioned within galley 704 and / or transition area 706, and UV lamp 602 is positioned within transition area 706 and / or passenger section 702. UV lamp 602 emits UV light 708 into a target space 710. Target space 710 may be a space within the cabin transition area 706 and / or the forward area of passenger section 702.

[0136] The UV lamp 602 is positioned and oriented to emit UV light toward one or more components within the interior compartment 700 to sterilize the one or more components. Figure 36 and Figure 37Only one UV lamp 602 is shown in the figure, but the disinfection system 600 may include a plurality of UV lamps 602 that are spaced apart and installed at different positions within the internal chamber 700 to emit UV light into different corresponding target spaces within the internal chamber 700 to sterilize different components within the internal chamber 700. The control unit 604 (e.g. Figure 36 ) can control each of the UV lamps 602 in the same manner based on the determined occupancy of the interior cabin 700. In one or more examples, the control unit 604 can modulate all of the UV lamps 602 in the same manner over time, such as by gradually decreasing the irradiance of each of the UV lamps 602, in response to a sensor signal from the occupancy sensor 606 indicating the presence of a person.

[0137] In the example shown, the occupancy sensor 606 is a retroreflective optical sensor that transmits an energy beam 712 along an optical path across a target space 710. The retroreflective optical sensor includes a reflector 714 that reflects the energy beam 712 back to a beam source 716. The occupancy sensor 606 is configured to detect occupancy of the interior cabin 700 based on interruptions in the optical path defined by the energy beam 712. In one or more examples, Figure 37 706, and the reflector 714 is mounted relatively low and on the opposite left side, so that the optical path extends diagonally across the cabin transition area 706 and is interrupted when a person walks through the cabin transition area 706. Based on the position and orientation of the beam source 716 and the reflector 714, the occupancy sensor 606 detects that an occupant has crossed the optical path of the beam 712. By placing the occupancy sensor 606 along the relatively narrow cabin transition area 706, a single optical path can be used to detect any person entering or leaving the passenger section 702 through the transition area 706.

[0138] Control unit 604 (such as Figure 36 The control unit 604 (shown) may be integrated with the occupancy sensor 606, integrated with the UV lamp 602, or remote from both the occupancy sensor 606 and the UV lamp 602. The control unit 604 is configured to receive the sensor signal generated by the occupancy sensor 606 and modulate the irradiance of the UV light emitted by the UV lamp 602 (or lamps) over time based on the occupancy of the space.

[0139] In one or more examples, upon enabling or resetting control unit 604, control unit 604 may initially assume that interior cabin 700 is unoccupied. Upon determining that the light path has been interrupted once based on received sensor signals, control unit 604 determines that the space is occupied. If the light path is interrupted a second time, control unit 604 may not be able to discern from a single sensor 606 alone whether the same person who previously crossed the light path has crossed the light path a second time to render the space unoccupied, or whether the second person entered the space with the first person. In one example, control unit 604 may utilize sensor signals from at least a second occupancy sensor 606. In one example, second occupancy sensor 606 may be a retroreflective optical sensor of the same type as the first occupancy sensor and may be positioned adjacent to the first occupancy sensor so that the light paths provided by the first and second sensors 606 are continuously interrupted as a person enters or exits passenger section 702. Based on the relative positioning of the two optical sensors and the time delay between interruptions, control unit 604 may determine the direction of movement of the person and may use the direction of movement to determine whether the area is occupied or unoccupied. In one or more examples, if the light path of the first sensor 606 is interrupted before the light path of the second sensor 606, and the second sensor 606 is closest to the passenger section 702, the timing indicates that a person is walking toward the passenger section 702. Subsequently, if the light path of the second sensor 606 is interrupted before the light path of the first sensor 606, the person is likely leaving the passenger section 702. The control unit 604 can be configured to count the interruptions to determine the number of people entering the passenger section 702 and use this number to determine when the passenger section 702 is unoccupied. In one or more examples, if a break in the light path indicates that four people have entered the passenger section 702, the control unit 604 determines that the passenger section 702 is occupied until a subsequent break indicates that the four people have left the passenger section 702.

[0140] In another example, second occupancy sensor 606 can be a different type of sensor than first retroreflective optical sensor. In one or more examples, upon detecting an interruption in the optical path of first occupancy sensor 606, control unit 604 can enable a camera that generates image data of passenger section 702, a pressure sensor within passenger section 702, an acoustic sensor within passenger section 702, an IR thermal sensor that monitors thermal characteristics within passenger section 702, and / or the like. Control unit 604 can combine sensor signals received from multiple different types of sensors to determine whether the space is occupied.

[0141] In one example, the control unit 604 can operate the UV lamp 602 (or lamps) to emit UV light at a full irradiance level to sterilize one or more components in response to a sensor signal indicating that a space (e.g., a target space being monitored) is unoccupied. The full irradiance level can represent a full or high power setting, which is used to sterilize components in the space while the space is unoccupied. If the space remains unoccupied, the control unit 604 can eventually deactivate the UV lamp 602 to cease emitting UV light at the full irradiance level after a predetermined time period for sterilization has elapsed. In one or more examples, deactivating the UV lamp 602 after the specified time period conserves energy. The specified time period represents the duration of a sterilization cycle and can be on the order of minutes, such as 1 minute, 5 minutes, 10 minutes, 20 minutes, etc. The specified time period for sterilization can be selected based on the irradiance of the UV light, the distance between the UV lamp 602 and the one or more components, and the desired dose of UV light to be applied to the one or more components. In one or more examples, the UV dose depends on the irradiance of the UV light, the proximity of the UV light, and the duration that the UV light irradiates one or more components, and thus the duration can be selected to achieve the desired dose without consuming additional energy. As an example, for UV lamps having lower irradiance and / or positioned farther from the target component being sterilized, the specified time period can be longer in order to provide a predetermined dose of UV light to the target component.

[0142] Although Figure 37 Components of the disinfection system 600 are located along the cabin transition area between the galley and the passenger section, but the disinfection system 600 can be located in various other locations within the vehicle. In one or more examples, the disinfection system 600 can be located at a location such as Figure 35 220. In the bathroom example, an occupancy sensor 606 detects occupancy of the bathroom, and a control unit 604 modulates the irradiance of a UV lamp 602 within the bathroom based on a sensor signal from the occupancy sensor 606.

[0143] In one or more other examples, the disinfection system 600 can monitor UV light and emit UV light into a target space, which can be any space in or around a vehicle, building, structure, facility, etc. The target space can be an enclosed area or room, but it does not have to be enclosed. Non-limiting examples of buildings or facilities in which the disinfection system 600 can be installed include theaters, concert venues, arenas, places of worship, banquet halls, commercial enterprises, factories, hospitals, and / or similar places. In an example in which the disinfection system 600 is installed in a vehicle, the vehicle can be a passenger vehicle, such as a bus, train, aircraft, ship, etc. In a commercial aircraft, the disinfection system 600 can be positioned in the cargo area, flight deck, lavatories, cabins, galleys, crew rest areas, assembly areas, and other areas that can be occupied or entered by individuals, passengers, crew members, ground staff, and / or maintenance personnel.

[0144] Figure 38 7 is a schematic diagram 750 showing the control operation 752 of the disinfection system 600 according to multiple occupancy scenarios over time. The occupancy scenarios are labeled A, B, C, and D. In each scenario, the occupancy of the target space monitored by the occupancy sensor 606 (or multiple sensors) is detected at time t0. Each scenario includes corresponding bars 754A, 754B, 754C, 754D, which represent the occupancy duration (or occupancy period) of the target space being occupied starting from time t0. As shown, scenarios A to D have increasing occupancy durations, so that the occupancy duration in scenario A is the shortest, while the occupancy duration in scenario D is the longest. The occupancy duration represents the time from the initial detection of the occupancy of the space to the time when the space is determined to be unoccupied. In one or more examples, if the disinfection system 600 detects that three people have entered the space during a common time period, the occupancy duration does not end until all three people have left the space and no one else has entered the space.

[0145] Control operation 752 represents a non-limiting example response of control unit 604 to the different occupancy durations for the four scenarios. Control operation 752 and any other responsive actions taken by control unit 604 may be based on programmed instructions embedded in the control logic of processor 612 or stored in memory 614. Control operation 752 instructs control unit 604 how to modulate the irradiance of UV lamp 602 based on occupancy. In each of scenarios A through D, it is assumed that UV lamp 602 is operating at full irradiance level prior to initial occupancy detection at time t0. In the illustrated example, control unit 604 may compare the monitored occupancy to a plurality of threshold time periods, which may be predetermined and stored in memory 614. Schematic diagram 750 illustrates a first threshold time period 760, a second threshold time period 762, and a third threshold time period 764, which are represented by dashed lines intersecting the timeline. Each of threshold time periods 760, 762, and 764 extends from time t0 to the time associated with the respective dashed line, with first threshold time period 760 being the shortest and third threshold time period 764 being the longest.

[0146] In scenario A, the target space is determined to be occupied, but occupancy period 754A ends before the end of first threshold time period 760. In one or more examples, a person may walk into the target space and immediately exit the target space, making the occupancy temporary. The duration of occupancy in scenario A may be only one or a few seconds. In one or more examples, first threshold time period 760 may be a value in the range of 1 to 10 seconds, such as 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, etc., and the duration of occupancy in scenario A is shown to be less than first threshold time period 760. In one example, control unit 604 (e.g., one or more processors 612 thereof) is configured to, in response to determining a situation as illustrated in scenario A (where the target space was occupied for a period of time not exceeding first threshold time period 760), operate UV lamp 602 to emit UV light at its full irradiance level. In one or more examples, during this brief or temporary occupancy, control unit 604 does not even adjust the power output of UV lamp 602, as this temporary exposure to UV light does not pose any risk of injury to the occupant or occupants within the space.

[0147] In scenario B, the occupancy period 754B exceeds the first threshold time period 760 but ends before the second threshold time period 762. In one example, once the control unit 604 determines based on the sensor signal that the occupancy exceeds the first threshold time period 706, the control unit 604 controls the UV lamp 602 to reduce the irradiance of the UV light to a reduced irradiance level (e.g., a first reduced irradiance level) while continuing to emit UV light into the target space. The control unit 604 reduces the irradiance of the UV lamp when the first threshold time period 760 is crossed. In a non-limiting example, the full irradiance level may have a value of 2 mW / cm 2 The irradiance of the first reduced irradiance level may be 1 mW / cm 2 irradiance. The first reduced irradiance level can be greater than the irradiance provided by the nominal lower power setting. Optionally, the control unit 604 can increase (e.g., raise) the irradiance of the UV lamp 602 to the full irradiance level after determining that the space is unoccupied again at the end of the occupancy period 754B to continue sterilizing components in the space at the desired irradiance level. Relative to the full irradiance level, operating the UV lamp 602 at the reduced irradiance level not only reduces the energy or intensity of UV light that may impinge on occupants, but also reduces the energy consumption (e.g., power draw) of the UV lamp 602. By reducing the irradiance level, the UV lamp 602 can operate for longer periods of time between charges (e.g., charging cycles) than if the UV lamp 602 were operated only at the full irradiance level.

[0148] The occupancy period 754C in scenario C exceeds the first threshold time period 760 and the second threshold time period 762, but ends before the third threshold time period 764. In response to determining that the occupancy period 754C exceeds the second threshold time period 762, the control unit 604 controls the UV lamp 602 to further reduce the irradiance of the UV light to a second reduced irradiance level while continuing to emit UV light into the target space. The first reduced irradiance level has greater power (e.g., greater irradiance) than the second reduced irradiance level. If the first irradiance level is 1 mW / cm2 as described in the above example, 2 , then the second irradiance level is less than 1mW / cm 2 , for example 0.5mW / cm 2 The second threshold time period 762 can be a value in the range of 3 seconds to 20 seconds, such as 5 seconds, 10 seconds, etc. Optionally, after determining that the space is not occupied at the end of the occupancy period 754C, the control unit 604 can increase (e.g., raise) the irradiance of the UV lamp 602 to the full irradiance level to continue sterilizing components in the space at the desired irradiance level.

[0149] In scenario D, the occupancy period 754D exceeds the first threshold time period 760, the second threshold time period 762, and the third threshold time period 764. In response to determining based on the sensor signal that the occupancy period 754D exceeds the third threshold time period 764, the control unit 604 deactivates the UV lamp 602 to stop the UV lamp 602 from emitting UV light. In one or more examples, once the occupancy continues for longer than the third threshold time period 764, the control unit 604 completely turns off the UV lamp 602 to stop sterilization. In another example, instead of deactivating the UV lamp 602, the control unit 604 may reduce the irradiance of the UV light again (e.g., to a level below the second reduced irradiance level) by selecting a nominal minimum power setting for the UV lamp 602. The third threshold time period 764 may be a value in the range of 10 seconds to 40 seconds, such as 15 seconds, 20 seconds, etc. Optionally, after determining that the space is unoccupied at the end of the occupancy period 754D, the control unit 604 may increase (eg, step up) the irradiance of the UV lamp 602 to the full irradiance level to continue sterilizing components in the space at the desired irradiance level.

[0150] The example described with reference to schematic 750 shows that the control unit 604 can modulate the irradiance of the UV light based on the detected occupancy of the target space by initially deferring any irradiance adjustment and then, as occupancy continues, decreasing the irradiance one or more times before ultimately deactivating the UV lamp (or operating the UV lamp at a nominal low power setting). The amount of decrease may vary from example to example. In one or more examples, while Figure 38 , but in another example, the control unit 604 may utilize only one irradiance reduction before deactivating the UV lamp 602. In such an example, either the first threshold time period 760 or the second threshold time period 762 may be omitted, and the third threshold time period 764 may represent the second threshold time period. The terms "first," "second," and "third" are used herein merely to identify and distinguish between multiple thresholds that may be used by the disinfection system 600. In another example, the control unit 604 may utilize three or more irradiance reductions before deactivating the UV lamp 602.

[0151] In one or more other examples, the control unit 604 can more smoothly control the UV lamp 602 to gradually reduce the irradiance at a specified reduction rate over time, rather than discontinuously reducing the UV irradiance when occupancy continues for more than a continuous time threshold. In one or more examples, the control unit 604 can control the UV lamp 602 to continuously reduce the irradiance or power output at a specified reduction rate over time when the space is detected to be occupied, until the UV lamp 602 is eventually turned off, the irradiance reaches the nominal low power setting, or it is determined that the space is no longer occupied (whichever occurs first). Alternatively, instead of immediately initiating a proportional reduction in UV irradiance upon occupancy, the control unit 604 can delay the reduction in irradiance until after the occupancy period exceeds the first threshold time period 760, such as Figure 38 shown.

[0152] In one or more examples, the threshold time period and / or exposure level of UV light for the above-described control operations can be determined at least in part based on the wavelength or wavelength range of the UV light emitted by the UV lamp 602. In a non-limiting example, the UV lamp 602 can emit UV light at 222 nm or a narrow wavelength range including 222 nm (e.g., a range from 200 nm to 225 nm). According to the ACGIH, the wavelength and / or narrow wavelength range can be associated with a threshold limit value (TLV).

[0153] The wavelength or narrow wavelength range of UV light emitted from UV lamp 602 can be selected by wavelength selective filter 610 (e.g. Figure 36 (as shown) control. In one or more examples, wavelength selective filter 610 can be specifically designed and constructed to emit only a predetermined wavelength or narrow wavelength range. In one example, once the wavelength or narrow wavelength range of UV light from UV lamp 602 is known, control unit 604 can consult a chart to determine the TLV of the UV light. Control unit 604 then selects other parameters for the control operation based on the TLV of the UV light, such as a reduced irradiance level value, to avoid delivering a germicidal dose exceeding the TLV to the occupied space.

[0154] The TLV according to the example wavelength and / or narrow wavelength range is large enough to enable a germicidal useful dose of UV light to be delivered to the area when the area is occupied. In one or more examples, the TLV may be 23 mJ / cm 2 , and the sterilization dose can be 2mJ / cm 2 Up to 20mJ / cm 2within the range such that the germicidal dose does not exceed the TLV. Controlling the wavelength of the emitted UV light to have a relatively high TLV that exceeds the germicidal dose allows useful levels of irradiance to continue in a nominally occupied space. In a non-limiting example, operating a 222nm UV lamp at a low power irradiance level of 1mW to illuminate an area may allow for approximately 23 seconds of exposure before exceeding the maximum allowable exposure level. Operating the same UV lamp at a high (or full) power irradiance level of 10mW may allow for 2.3 seconds of exposure before exceeding the maximum allowable exposure level. As a result, the control unit 604 may Figure 38 The first threshold time period 760 in is set to a value less than 2.3 seconds, such as 2 seconds, to avoid exceeding the permitted UV exposure level or dose. By knowing the exposure level of the UV light, the disinfection system 600 can provide for continued emission of UV light into the space at a relatively high power after detecting that the space is occupied (albeit only for a brief, temporary amount of time). By initially delaying the reduction in irradiance, the disinfection system 600 can provide enhanced sterilization to nominally occupied areas relative to immediately deactivating the UV when occupancy is detected. If the UV lamp drops to a low power irradiance level of 1 mW due to continued occupancy of the space, a subsequent threshold time period can be set to a value less than 23 seconds, such as 20 seconds, to avoid exceeding the permitted UV exposure level or dose. It is noted that in one or more examples, a 23 mJ / cm2 threshold value for 222 nm UV light is provided. 2 The actual TLV value of 222nm UV light can be different, for example, greater than 23mJ / cm 2 .

[0155] The control unit 604 according to one or more examples can determine a periodic occupancy trend of the target space and can utilize the periodic occupancy trend to modulate the irradiance of the UV light emitted by the UV lamp 602 over time. Figure 38In contrast to the control operations 752 shown and described above, which are based on real-time occupancy data for the target space, the control unit 604 may also analyze historical occupancy data associated with the target space and / or similar spaces (in similar but different vehicles or buildings). In one or more examples, the historical occupancy data may include all sensor signals generated by the occupancy sensor or sensors 606 that monitored the target space over a previous extended period of time (e.g., a previous month or year). One or more processors 612 of the control unit 604 may analyze the historical occupancy data to determine a periodic occupancy trend for the target space. The periodic occupancy trend may indicate a periodic occupancy pattern within the target space, including the level of deviation from the pattern. The periodic occupancy trend may identify certain time periods during each day or week when the target space is typically unoccupied, as well as other time periods during the day or week when the target space is typically occupied. In one or more examples, on Mondays, the target space is typically unoccupied for one hour from 7:00 AM to 8:00 AM. The periodic occupancy trend may also indicate occupancy density, such as the expected number of people within the target space at different times of the day or week.

[0156] In one example, at least one of the one or more processors 612 may represent or include a prediction module or feature that utilizes data analytics, machine learning, and / or artificial intelligence (AI) to generate periodic occupancy trends. By analyzing historical data, the prediction module can "learn" how the target space is typically occupied and then modulate the UV light irradiance based on the learned occupancy trends. Optionally, the prediction module can correlate the historical occupancy data for the target space with a historical (e.g., past) plan (e.g., a trip plan if the space is within a commercial vehicle). The prediction module can "learn" or identify how the occupancy of the space correlates with that plan. In one or more examples, if a trip is scheduled to begin at 6:00 AM and the vehicle has been stationary for at least several hours, the data may indicate that the space was occupied by a cleaning crew an hour before departure and then unoccupied for a specific time interval until the traveler occupied the space 30 minutes before departure. Using this information, the control unit 604 can schedule the germicidal treatment of the UV lamp 602 to occur between the cleaning crew's departure from the space and the traveler's entry into the space. Based on the duration of the interval within the regular occupancy trend, the control unit 604 can adjust one or more settings of the germicidal treatment. In one or more examples, if the interval is relatively short, the control unit 604 can increase the power of the UV lamp to increase the full irradiance level of the UV light. As a result of the increased irradiance, the control unit 604 can also shorten the Figure 38One or more of the threshold time periods 760, 762, 764 in the target space are adjusted to avoid excessive UV exposure to anyone entering the space during the sterilization process. This adjustment of the sterilization start time, duration, UV irradiance, and threshold time period based on periodic occupancy trends can be used to provide effective sterilization of components within the target space and ensure the safety of anyone entering the target space during the sterilization process.

[0157] Figure 39 A flow chart 800 of a disinfection method according to an example of the present disclosure is shown. Figures 36 to 38 The method begins at 802 by emitting UV light into a target space for a sterilization treatment. The UV light is directed toward one or more components in the target space to neutralize pathogens on the components and / or in the air. The UV light is generated by at least one UV lamp 602. The target space can be an enclosed area or a room, such as a commercial vehicle or a building.

[0158] At 804, a target space is monitored via one or more occupancy sensors 606, which are configured to generate sensor signals over time indicating occupancy of the target space. At 806, the sensor signals from the one or more occupancy sensors 606 are analyzed via a control unit 604, which includes one or more processors 612. At 808, the irradiance of UV light emitted into the target space is modulated over time based on the occupancy of the target space. The control unit 604 can control the modulation of the UV light emitted by the UV lamp 602 by generating a control signal that is transmitted to the UV lamp 602.

[0159] The following steps and operations of the method describe how to monitor the irradiance of UV light. At 810, it is determined by the control unit 604 whether the target space is occupied. If it is determined that the target space is not occupied, the method proceeds to 812 and UV light is emitted into the target space at a full irradiance level (which can represent a full power or high power setting). On the other hand, if it is determined at 810 that the target space is occupied, the process proceeds to 814, where it is determined by the control unit 604 whether the occupancy of the target space has continued for at least the first threshold time period 760. If not, the process returns to 812 and continues to emit UV light at the full irradiance level. On the other hand, if the occupancy continues for at least the first threshold time period 760, the method proceeds to 816. At 816, the irradiance of the UV light is reduced, for example, to a first reduced irradiance level.

[0160] At 818, it is determined by the control unit 604 whether the occupancy of the target space continues for at least the second threshold time period 762 (which is longer than the first threshold time period 760). If not, once it is determined that the occupancy has ended, so that the space is unoccupied again, the irradiance of the UV light is increased at 822. The UV irradiance can be increased back to the full irradiance level. On the other hand, if the occupancy continues for at least the second threshold time period 762, the method proceeds to 820 and the irradiance of the UV light is again (e.g., a second time) reduced to an irradiance level below the previous irradiance level. Even at the second reduced irradiance level, the irradiance of the UV light may be greater than the nominal or lower limit irradiance level. The method proceeds from 820 to 824, and it is determined by the control unit 604 whether the occupancy of the target space continues for at least the third threshold time period 764 (which is longer than the second threshold time period 762). If not, once it is determined that the occupancy has ended, so that the space is unoccupied again, the irradiance of the UV light is increased at 822. On the other hand, if the occupancy continues for at least the third threshold time period 764 , the method proceeds to 826 and ceases further emission of UV light into the target space. In one or more examples, the control unit 604 can deactivate or turn off the UV lamp 602 .

[0161] Figure 40 A perspective front view of an aircraft 1210 according to an example of the present disclosure is shown. In one or more examples, aircraft 1210 includes a propulsion system 1212 that includes engines 1214. Optionally, propulsion system 1212 can include more engines 1214 than shown. Engines 1214 are carried by wings 1216 of aircraft 1210. In other examples, engines 1214 can be carried by fuselage 1218 and / or empennage 1220. Embankment 1220 can also support horizontal stabilizers 1222 and vertical stabilizers 1224.

[0162] The fuselage 1218 of the aircraft 1210 defines an interior cabin 1230, which includes a flight deck or cockpit, one or more work sections (in one or more examples, a galley, a crew carry-on luggage area, or the like), one or more passenger sections (in one or more examples, first class, business class, and second class sections), one or more lavatories, and / or the like.

[0163] Examples of the present disclosure are used to sterilize various components within the interior compartment 1230. Alternatively, examples of the present disclosure can be used with various other vehicles (e.g., automobiles, buses, locomotives and railcars, ships, and the like). In addition, examples of the present disclosure can be used with fixed structures, such as commercial and residential buildings.

[0164] Figure 41AA top view of an interior cabin 1230 of an aircraft according to an example of the present disclosure is shown. The interior cabin 1230 may be located within a fuselage 1232 (e.g., Figure 40 In one or more examples, one or more fuselage walls can define an interior cabin 1230. Interior cabin 1230 includes multiple sections, including a forward section 1233, a first-class section 1234, a business-class section 1236, a forward galley station 1238, an extended economy or second-class section 1240, a standard economy or second-class section 1242, and a rear section 1244, which can include multiple lavatories and galley stations. It should be understood that interior cabin 1230 can include more or fewer sections than shown. In one or more examples, interior cabin 1230 may not include a first-class section and may include more or fewer galley stations than shown. Each of the sections can be separated by a cabin transition area 1246, which can include cabin class separation components between aisles 1248.

[0165] like Figure 41A As shown, the interior cabin 1230 includes two aisles 1250 and 1252 leading to the rear section 1244. Optionally, the interior cabin 1230 can have fewer or more aisles than shown. In one or more examples, the interior cabin 1230 can include a single aisle extending through the center of the interior cabin 1230 leading to the rear section 1244.

[0166] Aisles 1248, 1250, and 1252 extend to an exit path or doorway 1260. An exit door 1262 is positioned at the end of the exit path 1260. The exit path 1260 may be perpendicular to the aisles 1248, 1252, and 1252. The interior compartment 1230 may include more exit paths 1260 than shown at different locations. Figures 1 to 41B The examples of the present disclosure shown and described may be used to disinfect various structures within the interior cabin 1230, such as passenger seats, monuments, luggage rack assemblies, components above and within lavatories, galley equipment and components, and / or the like.

[0167] Figure 41B A top view of an interior cabin 1280 of an aircraft according to an example of the present disclosure is shown. The interior cabin 1280 is Figure 41A The interior compartment 1230 shown in FIG. Figure 37. The interior cabin 1280 can be within a fuselage 1281 of an aircraft. In one or more examples, one or more fuselage walls can define the interior cabin 1280. The interior cabin 1280 includes a plurality of sections including a main cabin 1282 having passenger seats 1283 and a rear section 1285 behind the main cabin 1282. It should be understood that the interior cabin 1280 can include more or fewer sections than shown.

[0168] The interior compartment 1280 can include a single passageway 1284 leading to the rear section 1285. The single passageway 1284 can extend through the center of the interior compartment 1280 leading to the rear section 1285. In one or more examples, the single passageway 1284 can be coaxially aligned with a central longitudinal plane of the interior compartment 1280.

[0169] Aisle 1284 extends to an exit path or doorway 1290. An exit door 1292 is positioned at the end of exit path 1290. Exit path 1290 may be perpendicular to aisle 1284. Interior compartment 1280 may include more exit paths than shown. Figures 1 to 39 The examples of the present disclosure shown and described may be used to disinfect various structures within the interior cabin 1230, such as passenger seats, furnishings, luggage rack assemblies, components above and within lavatories, galley equipment and components, and / or the like.

[0170] Figure 42 An interior perspective view of an interior cabin 1300 of an aircraft according to an example of the present disclosure is shown. The interior cabin 1300 includes an outer sidewall 1302 connected to a ceiling 1304. Windows 1306 may be formed in the outer sidewall 1302. A floor 1308 supports multiple rows of seats 1310. Figure 42 As shown, row 1312 may include two seats 1310 on either side of aisle 1313. However, row 1312 may include more or fewer seats 1310 than shown. Additionally, interior cabin 1300 may include more aisles than shown.

[0171] Passenger service units (PSUs) 1314 are secured between the outer sidewalls 1302 and the ceiling 1304 on either side of the aisle 1313. The PSUs 1314 extend between the front and rear ends of the interior cabin 1300. In one or more examples, the PSUs 1314 can be positioned above each seat 1310 in a row 1312. Each PSU 1314 can include a housing 1316 that typically contains vents, a reading light, an oxygen bag deployment panel, an attendant request button, and other such controls above each seat 1310 (or seat group) in a row 1312.

[0172] Overhead luggage rack assemblies 1318 are secured to the ceiling 1304 and / or outer sidewall 1302 on both sides of the aisle 1313, above and inside the PSU 1314. The overhead luggage rack assemblies 1318 are secured above the seats 1310. The overhead luggage rack assemblies 1318 extend between the front and rear ends of the interior cabin 1300. Each luggage rack assembly 1318 may include a pivotally secured to a positioning plate (at Figure 42 The overhead bin assembly 1318 can be positioned above and inside the lower surface of the PSU 1314. In one or more examples, the overhead bin assembly 1318 is configured to pivot open to accommodate passenger carry-on luggage and personal items.

[0173] As used herein, the term "outboard" refers to a location that is further away from the central longitudinal plane 1322 of the interior compartment 1300 than another component. The term "inboard" refers to a location that is closer to the central longitudinal plane 1322 of the interior compartment 1300 than another component. In one or more examples, the lower surface of the PSU 1314 can be located outboard relative to the roof rack assembly 1318.

[0174] about Figures 1 to 39 The examples of the present disclosure illustrated and described may be used to disinfect various structures within the interior compartment 1300 .

[0175] As described herein, certain examples of the present disclosure provide systems and methods that allow for effective sterilization of a target space or room even when the target space or room is occasionally occupied. Additionally, certain examples of the present disclosure provide systems and methods that modulate the irradiance of emitted UV light to ensure that the UV dose applied to a person occupying the space or room is safe (e.g., less than the maximum allowable UV dose).

[0176] Additionally, this disclosure includes examples according to the following clauses:

[0177] Clause 1. A disinfection system, comprising:

[0178] an ultraviolet (UV) lamp configured to emit UV light into the target space;

[0179] an occupancy sensor configured to monitor the target space and generate a sensor signal indicating that the target space is occupied by at least one person; and

[0180] a control unit comprising one or more processors, the control unit being operatively connected to the occupancy sensor and the UV lamp, the control unit being configured to receive the sensor signal generated by the occupancy sensor and to modulate the irradiance of the UV light emitted by the UV lamp over time based on the occupancy of the target space.

[0181] Clause 2. A disinfection system according to clause 1, wherein the control unit is configured to analyze historical occupancy data including sensor signals generated by the occupancy sensor during a first time period to determine a periodic occupancy trend of the target space, and the control unit is configured to modulate the irradiance of the UV light emitted by the UV lamp during a second time period based on the periodic occupancy trend, wherein the first time period has a longer duration than the second time period and ends before the second time period begins.

[0182] Clause 3. The disinfection system of Clause 2, wherein the second period of time is one day and the first period of time is at least one month.

[0183] Clause 4. The disinfection system of clause 2 or 3, wherein the control unit is configured to modify the modulation of the irradiance during the second time period based on the sensor signal generated by the occupancy sensor during the second time period.

[0184] Clause 5. A disinfection system according to any one of clauses 2 to 4, wherein the control unit is configured to predict that the target space will be unoccupied during an upcoming time window based on the periodic occupancy trend, and to control the UV lamp to emit the UV light at a full irradiance level at the beginning of the time window.

[0185] Clause 6. The disinfection system of any one of clauses 1 to 5, wherein the control unit is configured to: in response to the sensor signal indicating that the target space is unoccupied, operate the UV lamp to emit UV light at a full irradiance level.

[0186] Clause 7. The disinfection system of Clause 6, wherein the control unit is configured to deactivate the UV lamp to stop emitting the UV light at a full irradiance level after a predetermined period of time for sterilization while the target space is unoccupied.

[0187] Clause 8. The disinfection system of clause 6, wherein the control unit is configured to: in response to the sensor signal indicating that the target space has been occupied for a time period not exceeding a first threshold time period, operate the UV lamp to emit the UV light at the full irradiance level.

[0188] Clause 9. The disinfection system of clause 5, wherein the UV lamp is configured to emit UV light within a range of wavelengths, and the control unit is configured to determine the first threshold time period and the full irradiance level based on the wavelength range of the UV light emitted by the UV lamp.

[0189] Clause 10. A disinfection system according to any one of clauses 1 to 9, wherein the control unit is configured to: in response to the sensor signal indicating that the time period for which the target space has been occupied exceeds a first threshold time period, control the UV lamp to reduce the irradiance of the UV light to a reduced irradiance level while continuing to emit the UV light into the target space.

[0190] Clause 11. The disinfection system of Clause 10, wherein the first threshold time period is a value within a range of 1 second to 10 seconds.

[0191] Clause 12. A disinfection system according to clause 10, wherein the reduced irradiance level is a first reduced irradiance level, and in response to the sensor signal indicating that the target space has been occupied for a time period exceeding a second threshold time period that is greater than the first threshold time period, the one or more processors are configured to control the UV lamp to reduce the irradiance of the UV light to a second reduced irradiance level while continuing to emit the UV light into the target space, wherein the UV light at the first reduced irradiance level has greater power than the UV light at the second reduced irradiance level.

[0192] Clause 13. The disinfection system of Clause 12, wherein the second threshold time period is a value within the range of 3 seconds to 20 seconds.

[0193] Clause 14. A disinfection system according to clause 10 or 11, wherein the control unit is configured to: in response to the sensor signal indicating that the target space has been occupied for a time period exceeding a second threshold time period greater than the first threshold time period, deactivate the UV lamp to stop emitting the UV light.

[0194] Clause 15. The disinfection system of Clause 14, wherein the second threshold time period is a value within the range of 10 seconds to 40 seconds.

[0195] Clause 16. The disinfection system of any one of Clauses 1 to 15, wherein the UV lamp and the occupancy sensor are installed within a room, and wherein the UV lamp is configured to sterilize one or more components located within the room.

[0196] Clause 17. The disinfection system of Clause 16, wherein the chamber is within an interior cabin of a vehicle.

[0197] Clause 18. The disinfection system of Clause 16, wherein the room is a bathroom.

[0198] Clause 19. The disinfection system of any one of clauses 1 to 18, wherein the occupancy sensor is a retroreflective optical sensor that reflects an energy beam at the target space to detect occupancy based on an interruption in an optical path defined by the energy beam.

[0199] Clause 20. The disinfection system of any one of Clauses 1 to 19, wherein the UV lamp comprises a wavelength selective filter configured to block one or more wavelengths of UV light from being emitted into the target space.

[0200] Clause 21. The disinfection system of any one of clauses 1 to 20, wherein the occupancy sensor is separate and spaced apart from the UV lamp.

[0201] Clause 22. The disinfection system of any one of Clauses 1 to 21, wherein the UV lamp is configured to emit UV light at one or more wavelengths between 200 nm and 280 nm.

[0202] Clause 23. A disinfection system according to any one of clauses 1 to 22, wherein the occupancy sensor is a first occupancy sensor and the sensor signal generated by the first occupancy sensor is a first sensor signal, wherein the disinfection system further comprises a second occupancy sensor, the second occupancy sensor being configured to monitor the target space and generate a second sensor signal indicating occupancy of the target space over time, wherein the control unit is configured to receive the first sensor signal and the second sensor signal, and determine whether a person is entering or leaving the target space based on the first sensor signal and the second sensor signal.

[0203] Clause 24. A method comprising the steps of:

[0204] emitting ultraviolet (UV) light into a target space;

[0205] monitoring the target space via one or more occupancy sensors, the one or more occupancy sensors configured to generate a sensor signal indicating that the target space is occupied by at least one person;

[0206] analyzing the sensor signals via a control unit comprising one or more processors; and

[0207] Via the control unit, an irradiance of the UV light emitted into the target space is modulated over time based on the occupancy of the target space.

[0208] Clause 25. The method of clause 24, wherein modulating the irradiance of the UV light comprises emitting the UV light into the target space at a full irradiance level in response to determining via the sensor signal that the target space is unoccupied.

[0209] Clause 26. A method according to clause 24 or 25, wherein modulating the irradiance of the UV light includes: emitting the UV light into the target space at a full irradiance level in response to determining via the sensor signal that the time period for which the target space is occupied does not exceed a first threshold time period.

[0210] Clause 27. A method according to any one of clauses 24 to 26, wherein modulating the irradiance of the UV light includes: reducing the irradiance of the UV light emitted into the target space in response to determining via the sensor signal that the time period for which the target space is occupied exceeds a first threshold time period.

[0211] Clause 28. A method according to clause 27, wherein modulating the irradiance of the UV light includes: in response to determining via the sensor signal that the target space is occupied for a time period exceeding a second threshold time period that is longer than the first threshold time period, reducing the irradiance of the UV light emitted into the target space for a second time, while continuing to emit the UV light into the target space.

[0212] Clause 29. The method of clause 28, wherein modulating the irradiance of the UV light comprises ceasing emission of the UV light into the target space in response to determining via the sensor signal that the target space has been occupied for a period exceeding a third threshold time period that is longer than the second threshold time period.

[0213] Clause 30. A disinfection system provided on a carrier, the disinfection system comprising:

[0214] a first ultraviolet (UV) system comprising a first subset of one or more UV lamps and a first subset of one or more occupancy sensors, the first subset of lamps configured to emit UV light into a first target space within the vehicle, and the first subset of sensors configured to generate a first sensor signal indicating that the first target space is occupied by at least one person;

[0215] a second UV system comprising a second subset of one or more UV lamps and a second subset of one or more occupancy sensors, the second subset of lamps configured to emit UV light into a second target space within the vehicle, and the second subset of sensors configured to generate a second sensor signal indicating that the second target space is occupied by at least one person; and

[0216] A control unit comprising one or more processors, the control unit being operatively connected to the first UV system and the second UV system, wherein the control unit is configured to: (i) receive the first sensor signal generated by the first sensor subset and the second sensor signal generated by the second sensor subset, (ii) modulate the irradiance of UV light emitted by the first lamp subset over time based on occupancy of the first target space, and (iii) modulate the irradiance of UV light emitted by the second lamp subset over time based on occupancy of the second target space.

[0217] Clause 31. The disinfection system of clause 30, wherein the first target space and the second target space are different areas or rooms within an interior cabin of a vehicle.

[0218] Clause 32. The disinfection system of clause 30 or 31, wherein the vehicle is a passenger aircraft.

[0219] Although various spatial and directional terms (e.g., top, bottom, lower, middle, lateral, horizontal, vertical, front, etc.) may be used to describe examples of the present disclosure, it should be understood that these terms are used only with respect to the orientation shown in the figures. The orientation may be reversed, rotated, or otherwise changed so that an upper portion is a lower portion (or vice versa), horizontal becomes vertical, etc.

[0220] As used herein, a structure, limitation, or element that is "configured to" perform a task or operation is specifically formed, constructed, or adapted structurally in a manner corresponding to the task or operation. For clarity and avoidance of doubt, an object that is merely capable of being modified to perform a task or operation is not "configured to" perform a task or operation as used herein.

[0221] It should be understood that the above description is intended to be illustrative and not restrictive. In one or more examples, the above examples (and / or aspects thereof) can be used in combination with each other. In addition, without departing from its scope, many modifications can be made to adapt specific situations or materials to the teachings of the various examples of the present disclosure. Although the size and type of the material described herein are intended to limit the parameters of the various examples of the present disclosure, the examples are by no means restrictive and are illustrative examples. After reviewing the above description, many other examples will be apparent to those skilled in the art. In the appended claims and the detailed description herein, the terms "including" and "wherein" are used as the simple English equivalents of the corresponding terms "including" and "wherein". In addition, the terms "first", "second" and "third" etc. are only used as labels and are not intended to impose numerical requirements on their objects.

Claims

1. A disinfection system (100), comprising: an ultraviolet (UV) lamp (104) configured to emit UV light (108) into a target space; an occupancy sensor configured to monitor the target space and generate a sensor signal indicating that the target space is occupied by at least one person; as well as a control unit (118), the control unit (118) comprising one or more processors, the control unit (118) being operatively connected to the occupancy sensor and the UV lamp (104), the control unit (118) being configured to receive the sensor signal generated by the occupancy sensor and, based on the occupancy of the target space, modulate the irradiance of the UV light (108) emitted by the UV lamp (104) over time, wherein the control unit (118) is configured to analyze historical occupancy data including sensor signals generated by the occupancy sensor during a first time period to determine a periodic occupancy trend of the target space, and the control unit (118) is configured to modulate the irradiance of the UV light (108) emitted by the UV lamp (104) during a second time period based on the periodic occupancy trend, wherein the first time period has a longer duration than the second time period and ends before the second time period begins.

2. The disinfection system (100) according to claim 1, wherein: The control unit (118) is configured to modify the modulation of the irradiance during the second time period based on a sensor signal generated by the occupancy sensor during the second time period.

3. The disinfection system (100) according to claim 1, wherein: The control unit (118) is configured to predict that the target space will be unoccupied during an upcoming time window based on the periodic occupancy trend and control the UV lamp (104) to emit the UV light (108) at a full irradiance level at the beginning of the time window.

4. The disinfection system (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein: The control unit (118) is configured to operate the UV lamp (104) to emit the UV light (108) at a full irradiance level in response to the sensor signal indicating that the target space is unoccupied.

5. The disinfection system (100) according to claim 4, wherein: The control unit (118) is configured to deactivate the UV lamp (104) to stop emitting the UV light (108) at a full irradiance level after a predetermined period of time for sterilization while the target space is unoccupied.

6. The disinfection system (100) according to claim 4, wherein: The control unit (118) is configured to operate the UV lamp (104) to emit the UV light (108) at the full irradiance level in response to the sensor signal indicating that the target space has been occupied for a period of time that does not exceed a first threshold period of time.

7. The disinfection system (100) according to claim 6, wherein: The UV lamp (104) is configured to emit UV light (108) within a wavelength range, and the control unit (118) is configured to determine the first threshold time period and the full irradiance level based on the wavelength range of the UV light (108) emitted by the UV lamp (104).

8. The disinfection system (100) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein: The control unit (118) is configured to, in response to the sensor signal indicating that the target space has been occupied for a period of time exceeding a first threshold period of time, control the UV lamp (104) to reduce the irradiance of the UV light (108) to a reduced irradiance level while continuing to emit the UV light (108) into the target space.

9. The disinfection system (100) according to claim 8, wherein: The reduced irradiance level is a first reduced irradiance level, and the control unit (118) is configured to: in response to the sensor signal indicating that the target space has been occupied for a time period exceeding a second threshold time period that is greater than the first threshold time period, control the UV lamp (104) to reduce the irradiance of the UV light (108) to a second reduced irradiance level while continuing to emit the UV light (108) into the target space, wherein the UV light (108) at the first reduced irradiance level has greater power than the UV light (108) at the second reduced irradiance level.

10. The disinfection system (100) according to claim 9, wherein: The control unit (118) is configured to deactivate the UV lamp (104) to stop emitting the UV light (108) in response to the sensor signal indicating that the target space has been occupied for a period exceeding a second threshold time period that is greater than the first threshold time period.

11. The disinfection system (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 3 and claim 9, wherein: The UV lamp (104) and the occupancy sensor are mounted in a room, and the UV light (108) is configured to sterilize one or more components (102) located in the room, wherein the room is a bathroom within an interior cabin of a vehicle.

12. The disinfection system (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 3 and claim 9, wherein: The occupancy sensor is a retroreflective optical sensor that reflects an energy beam at the target space to detect occupancy based on interruptions in an optical path defined by the energy beam.

13. The disinfection system (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, the UV lamp comprising a wavelength selective filter configured to block one or more wavelengths of UV light from being emitted into the target space.

14. The disinfection system (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 3 and claim 9, wherein: The UV lamp (104) is configured to emit UV light (108) at one or more wavelengths between 200 nm and 280 nm.

15. The disinfection system (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 3 and claim 9, wherein: The occupancy sensor is a first occupancy sensor and the sensor signal generated by the first occupancy sensor is a first sensor signal, wherein the disinfection system (100) further includes a second occupancy sensor configured to monitor the target space and generate a second sensor signal indicating occupancy of the target space over time, wherein the control unit (118) is configured to receive the first sensor signal and the second sensor signal and determine whether a person is entering or leaving the target space based on the first sensor signal and the second sensor signal.

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