Air Conditioner UV Light Source Control for Safe Sterilization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Air conditioners with integrated ultraviolet light sources for sterilization pose a risk of user exposure to UV radiation when the air outlet is accessible, as existing systems do not effectively control the operation of the UV light source based on the position of the air outlet.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating a sensor to detect the position of a blade that controls the air outlet, allowing the UV light source to be selectively operated only when the outlet is closed, thereby preventing user exposure to UV radiation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a UV light source is integrated into the air conditioner for sterilization, then sterilization effectiveness is improved, but user safety deteriorates due to risk of UV exposure when air outlet is open
Solution Approach 1:
The control unit checks the blade position before allowing the UV light source to operate. By preliminarily verifying that the air outlet is closed (blade in closed position) before enabling UV sterilization, the system prevents harmful UV exposure to users while maintaining effective sterilization when safe
Solution Approach 2:
The system continuously monitors the blade position through the position detection unit and uses this feedback to control UV light source operation. When the blade position indicates the air outlet is open, the UV source is automatically disabled, creating a closed-loop safety mechanism that dynamically adjusts sterilization based on real-time outlet status
2Reliability
If the UV light source operates continuously for sterilization, then sterilization effectiveness is improved, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The UV light source operation is made dynamic rather than static. The control unit adjusts UV source operation status based on real-time blade position feedback, enabling the system to operate the energy-consuming UV source only when the air outlet is closed and it is safe to do so, rather than running continuously
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements periodic checking of blade position and correspondingly periodic activation of the UV light source. Instead of continuous operation, the UV source is activated in periodic cycles when safety conditions are met, reducing overall energy consumption while maintaining effective sterilization over time
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
Ensures safe operation by preventing UV light exposure to users when the air outlet is open and allowing sterilization when the outlet is closed, enhancing user safety and efficiency of the sterilization process.
Implementation Method 1
a ultraviolet (UV) light source provided inside the housing and configured to irradiate UV light toward the blower fan
Data Source
AI summary
An air conditioner includes: a housing including an air inlet and an air outlet, a heat exchanger provided inside the housing, a blower fan rotatably provided inside the housing, an ultraviolet (UV) light source provided inside the housing and configured to irradiate UV light toward the blower fan, a blade rotatable, relative to the housing, configured to be in an open position for opening the air outlet or in a closed position for blocking the air outlet, and a sensor configured to detect a position of the blade, and may be configured to selectively stop operation of the UV light source based on the position of the blade detected by the sensor.