Adaptive Multivector UV Illumination for Uniform Disinfection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing ultraviolet disinfection technologies fail to achieve adequate disinfection levels due to variable energy, shadowing, and distance-related intensity drops, leading to incomplete disinfection of surfaces and prolonged operation times.
Innovation Solution
A disinfection device with expandable and contractible arms equipped with multiple ultraviolet sources creates a three-dimensional matrix of distributed energy, ensuring uniform light distribution and minimizing shadowing effects to disinfect large or constrained areas efficiently.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If traditional point source ultraviolet systems are used, then device complexity is low, but uniformity of energy distribution deteriorates due to shadowing and distance-related intensity drops
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the ultraviolet illumination into multiple discrete sources arranged in a three-dimensional matrix, with each source independently controllable and positionable to eliminate shadowing and ensure uniform energy distribution across the target area
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from traditional two-dimensional planar arrangements to a three-dimensional spatial matrix of ultraviolet sources, allowing illumination from multiple angles and reducing shadowing effects while improving uniformity of energy distribution
2Reliability
If traditional point source systems are used, then device complexity is low, but disinfection effectiveness deteriorates due to variable energy and incomplete coverage
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments the disinfection function into multiple independent ultraviolet sources distributed in three-dimensional space, each contributing to overall pathogen elimination while ensuring complete coverage of the target volume
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates sensors to detect the position and status of ultraviolet sources and adjusts their operation accordingly, ensuring optimal disinfection effectiveness by compensating for variable energy distribution and source degradation
3Productivity
If traditional point source systems are used, then device complexity is low, but operating time increases due to prolonged exposure requirements
Solution Approach 1:
By arranging ultraviolet sources in a three-dimensional matrix rather than a two-dimensional plane, the system reduces the distance from sources to target surfaces, thereby reducing exposure time requirements while maintaining disinfection effectiveness
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables continuous and simultaneous operation of multiple ultraviolet sources, ensuring uninterrupted disinfection action throughout the entire target volume without the need for prolonged exposure cycles
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The device provides rapid, effective disinfection of all room surfaces with reduced operating time by ensuring uniform ultraviolet energy distribution, overcoming the limitations of traditional point source systems.
Implementation Method 1
A disinfection device with expandable and contractible arms equipped with multiple ultraviolet sources creates a three-dimensional matrix of distributed energy
Data Source
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AI summary
An ultraviolet emitting system for sanitizing a target volume can include a plurality of adjustably positionable light sources having a collapsed position and the expanded position. The light sources of the plurality of adjustably positionable light sources can be configured to emit ultraviolet light in a substantially homogenous irradiance within the target volume in any position between the collapsed position and the expanded position.