Air sterilization device
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional air sterilization methods, such as HEPA filters, catalyst reactions, and UV lamps, are inadequate in effectively removing coronaviruses and other harmful microorganisms due to inefficiencies and safety concerns.
Innovation Solution
An air sterilization device employing a reflector and dual UV-C LED light sources positioned to ensure prolonged residence time and uniform illuminance, emitting UV-C rays to inactivate viruses and bacteria within the air.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If HEPA filter is used for air purification, then dust collecting efficiency is improved, but virus blocking capability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the sterilization method from physical filtration to UV-C irradiation, altering the parameter of virus removal mechanism. The UV-C LED light source emits light at a specific wavelength (200-280nm) that is effective for virus inactivation, overcoming the limitation of HEPA filters against viruses smaller than 0.3um
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical filtration system (HEPA filter) with a light-based sterilization system (UV-C LED). This substitution uses electromagnetic radiation instead of mechanical barrier to achieve virus removal, solving the problem of virus penetration through filter pores
2Reliability
If UV lamp is used for sterilization, then sterilization effect is improved, but manufacturing safety deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses UV-C LED light sources that have no mercury content and do not require disposal as hazardous waste. The LED components are solid-state devices with long operational life, replacing the short-lived, hazardous UV lamps that contain mercury
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the light source technology from gas discharge (mercury vapor) to solid-state LED emission. This parameter change eliminates mercury entirely while maintaining UV-C output, solving both the sterilization effectiveness and environmental safety concerns
3Object-affected harmful factors
If UV LED light source is used for sterilization, then manufacturing safety is improved, but sterilization effectiveness deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent optimizes the UV-C LED parameters including wavelength selection (200-280nm range), output power, and irradiation duration. By carefully controlling these parameters, the system achieves effective virus inactivation while maintaining the mercury-free advantage of LED technology
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs multiple UV-C LED light sources arranged to provide comprehensive irradiation coverage. The periodic emission pattern and multi-source configuration ensure that all air passing through the device receives sufficient UV-C dose for effective sterilization
4Use of energy by moving object
If catalyst reaction is used for sterilization, then energy consumption is reduced, but sterilization uniformity deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from surface-based catalyst reaction to volumetric UV-C irradiation. By emitting light in multiple directions and using the reflective interior surface, the system achieves uniform sterilization throughout the air volume, not just at surfaces
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses the dynamic flow of air through the sterilization chamber combined with UV-C irradiation. The continuous air movement ensures all air passes through the irradiation zone, providing uniform exposure while maintaining low energy consumption
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 sufficient sterilizing power to effectively remove coronaviruses and other harmful microorganisms, ensuring user safety and health by maintaining a critical dose of UV-C rays within the air sterilization region.
Implementation Method 1
a first LED light source configured to emit UV-C rays and a second LED light source configured to emit UV-C rays
Implementation Method 2
emit UV-C rays in a direction from the first rotary body to the body part; and a second LED light source may emit UV-C rays in a direction from the second rotary body to the body part
Implementation Method 3
the reflector may reflect the light emitted from the first LED light source and the light emitted from the second LED light source
Data Source
AI summary
An air sterilization device includes a reflector, a first LED light source, and a second LED light source. The reflector may include a body part having a circular column shape having a vacant space therein and having openings formed in upper and lower surfaces thereof, a first rotary body connected to a lower surface of the body part and shaped to have a vacant space therein, and a second rotary body connected to an upper surface of the body part and shaped to have a vacant space; a first LED light source may emit UV-C rays in a direction from the first rotary body to the body part; and a second LED light source may emit UV-C rays in a direction from the second rotary body to the body part, and the reflector may reflect the light emitted from the first LED light source and the light emitted from the second LED light source.