Adaptive UV-C Emission Control for Occupancy-Based Disinfection
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing germicidal UV-C disinfection systems lack adaptability and precision in responding to real-time risk factors for person-to-person transmission of microorganisms in interior environments, such as occupancy density and transmission events, leading to suboptimal disinfection efficacy.
Innovation Solution
A germicidal disinfection apparatus and system that utilizes sensors to detect occupancy density and transmission events, processing this data to control UV-C emitters to emit specific wavelengths in response to determined risk factors, including occupancy thresholds and microorganism transmission events.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If UV-C radiation is continuously emitted to ensure effective disinfection, then microorganism inactivation effectiveness is improved, but unnecessary UV exposure increases when occupancy is low
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts UV-C radiation emission based on real-time occupancy detection. Sensors continuously monitor the environment and trigger UV-C emission only when occupancy is detected, transitioning the system from static continuous operation to dynamic conditional operation, thereby eliminating unnecessary UV exposure while maintaining disinfection effectiveness when needed
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements feedback control by using sensors to detect occupancy status and transmission events, then using this information to control UV-C emitter operation. The feedback loop ensures UV-C radiation is emitted only when risk factors are present, automatically adjusting system behavior based on environmental conditions to balance disinfection effectiveness with safety
2Productivity
If UV-C radiation intensity is increased to improve disinfection speed, then productivity is improved, but harmful effects on occupants increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses periodic pulsed emission of UV-C radiation instead of continuous emission. When occupancy is detected, the system emits UV-C in controlled pulses that are sufficient for disinfection but limited in duration and intensity, reducing cumulative harmful exposure while maintaining effective disinfection speed through high-intensity intermittent treatment
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes emission parameters (intensity, duration, frequency) based on occupancy detection. When no occupants are present, higher intensity and longer duration emission is used for rapid disinfection. When occupants are detected, the system adjusts parameters to reduce intensity and duration, maintaining productivity while minimizing harmful effects through parameter optimization
3Adaptability or versatility
If sensors and control systems are added to enable adaptive emission, then adaptability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system integrates multiple functions into a single unified platform: occupancy detection, transmission event detection, UV-C emission control, and adaptive parameter adjustment all operate through one control system. This multi-functional integration achieves high adaptability while managing complexity by consolidating rather than multiplying separate systems
Solution Approach 2:
The system is self-regulating through automatic sensor-based control. The sensors continuously monitor environmental conditions and the control system automatically adjusts UV-C emission without requiring manual intervention or complex external control mechanisms. This self-service capability provides adaptability while minimizing the need for additional complex control infrastructure
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
Enables real-time, adaptive UV-C disinfection that effectively inactivates airborne pathogens by pulsing targeted UV-C radiation based on real-time environmental and occupancy data, enhancing disinfection efficacy.
Implementation Method 1
at least one emitter configured to pulse an emission of ultraviolet radiation at a wavelength in the range of 200 nm to 405 nm
Implementation Method 2
at least one sensor configured to detect the presence of one or more occupants within the interior room of the building
Implementation Method 3
One mechanism by which UV-C deactivates microorganisms is by destroying nucleic acids and disrupting their DNA
Data Source
AI summary
A germicidal disinfection apparatus, system and method. Embodiments of the present disclosure include an adaptive germicidal disinfection apparatus, system and method comprising one or more sensors communicably engaged with a controller being configured to control the operation of at least one UV-C emitter. The sensors may be configured to detect various signals from an interior environment and communicate such signals as inputs to the controller. The controller may be configured to process the inputs according to one or more data processing framework to assess and determine a variety of disease control risk factors and trigger conditions. The controller may be configured to configure one or more modes of operation for the at least one UV-C emitter according to an output of one or more data processing operations.