Air Cleaner Assembly with UV-C LED for Modular Pathogen Inactivation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Indoor spaces are contaminated with pollutants and pathogens, necessitating effective air cleaning solutions to prevent the transmission of viruses and infectious pathogens, particularly in environments like offices, hospitals, and public transport systems.
Innovation Solution
A portable and modular air cleaner assembly with a UV-C LED lighting arrangement and air circulation module that deactivates microorganisms by emitting UV-C light, mounted on various support surfaces and integrated with existing air handling systems.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If UV-C lighting arrangement is used to inactivate microorganisms, then air purification effectiveness is improved, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The air cleaner assembly operates the UV-C lighting arrangement in periodic cycles rather than continuously. The controller activates the UV-C lights during specific intervals when air flow is detected through the assembly, and deactivates them during intervals when no air flow is present, thereby reducing overall energy consumption while maintaining effective air purification during active periods
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates a controller that monitors air flow conditions and provides feedback control for the UV-C lighting arrangement. The controller adjusts the operation of UV-C lights based on real-time detection of air flow presence or absence, optimizing the balance between purification effectiveness and energy consumption by activating lights only when needed
2Ease of operation
If air cleaner assembly is made portable and modular for easy relocation, then ease of operation is improved, but mounting reliability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The air cleaner assembly is designed as a modular unit with distinct functional components that can be easily assembled and disassembled. The housing, lighting arrangement, and mounting components are segmented to allow simple attachment and detachment while maintaining structural integrity and reliable operation during use
Solution Approach 2:
The mounting arrangement incorporates pre-configured adhesive strips or fastening elements that are prepared in advance for secure attachment to support surfaces. These preliminary mounting preparations ensure reliable fixation when installed, while the modular design allows for straightforward removal and relocation to different positions or surfaces
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
Effectively inactivates microorganisms by UV-C light, providing clean air in diverse indoor environments and enhancing air quality in spaces vulnerable to pathogens.
Implementation Method 1
a lighting arrangement which emits ultraviolet energy or light... UV-C light causes damage to the nucleic acid of microorganisms by forming covalent bonds between certain adjacent bases in the DNA
Implementation Method 2
UV-C light causes damage to the nucleic acid of microorganisms by forming covalent bonds between certain adjacent bases in the DNA. The formation of these bonds prevents the DNA from being 'unzipped' for replication
Implementation Method 3
an air circulating module which includes an air moving device configured to transport contaminated air from the exterior environment through the housing and discharge cleaned air from the interior air duct to the exterior environment
Data Source
AI summary
An air cleaner assembly having a lighting arrangement which emits ultraviolet (UV) light for the purpose of disinfecting air which is circulated through the air cleaner assembly, and which disinfected air is then discharged from the assembly. The air cleaning assembly may be utilized in conjunction with an upright space-dividing wall panel system, such as those used in office or work areas.