Reflective Aircraft Air Duct UV Sanitization for Airborne Pathogens
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Solution Overview
Problem
Infectious disease transmission among air travelers is a concern due to the spread of bacterial and fungal pathogens through airborne germs, which existing air duct systems in aircraft do not effectively address.
Innovation Solution
An air duct system with a reflective inner surface and an ultraviolet light source that directs ultraviolet light along the duct to sanitize the air, combined with a system for transmitting visible light and electrical power without wiring, using photovoltaic devices and thermoelectric generators.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional air duct systems are used in aircraft, then the structure is simple and easy to manufacture, but they cannot effectively sanitize airborne pathogens leading to infectious disease transmission
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the air duct system with ultraviolet light sources and reflective surfaces, merging the functions of air distribution and pathogen sanitization into a single integrated system. The ultraviolet light sources are positioned within the air duct structure itself, eliminating the need for separate sanitization equipment while achieving effective pathogen elimination.
Solution Approach 2:
The air duct system is designed to perform multiple functions simultaneously: conditioning air for passenger comfort and sanitizing airborne pathogens. The reflective inner surfaces serve dual purposes by both directing airflow and maximizing ultraviolet light distribution throughout the duct system, enabling one structure to achieve multiple objectives.
2Weight of moving object
If traditional lighting and electrical wiring systems are installed in aircraft, then the systems are reliable and easy to maintain, but they increase the overall weight and structural complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional electrical lighting systems with ultraviolet light sources integrated into the air duct structure. This substitution eliminates the need for separate wiring harnesses, switches, and control systems while providing both illumination and sanitization functions through the same optical pathway.
Solution Approach 2:
The ultraviolet light sources within the air duct system serve multiple functions: sanitizing airborne pathogens, providing ambient lighting, and potentially indicating system status. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate lighting systems, reducing weight and complexity while maintaining operational reliability.
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 system effectively sanitizes air by killing airborne pathogens and reduces weight and complexity in aircraft by eliminating the need for traditional lighting and electrical wiring, enhancing safety and efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
an ultraviolet light source configured to generate ultraviolet light, where the ultraviolet light source directs the ultraviolet light along the reflective inner surface of the air duct
Implementation Method 2
the ultraviolet light reflects off of the reflective inner surface and travels along a passageway of the air duct
Data Source
AI summary
An air duct system is disclosed, and includes an air duct having a main body, where the main body of the air duct defines a passageway having a reflective inner surface. The air duct system also includes an ultraviolet light source configured to generate ultraviolet light. The ultraviolet light source directs the ultraviolet light along the reflective inner surface of the air duct.