Air sterilizer unit
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current air cleaning devices in hospital facilities and similar environments are inefficient in removing microorganisms and other pollutants, failing to provide a satisfactory indoor environment due to poor odor reduction and particle filtration.
Innovation Solution
An air sterilizer unit equipped with a UVC light source emitting at 250-260 nm, combined with a HEPA filter and UVC-resistant active carbon and TiO2-coated filters, which work in conjunction with an air transportation unit to effectively remove airborne particles and microorganisms from ambient air.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional air conditioners and air cleaning devices are used, then basic air circulation and filtration are provided, but the efficiency in removing microorganisms and odors is poor
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple air treatment mechanisms into a single integrated device: UVC irradiation for microorganism sterilization, photocatalytic oxidation with TiO2 for odor decomposition, and HEPA/activated carbon filtration for particle removal. This merging of functions resolves the contradiction by achieving high reliability in microorganism removal while maintaining high productivity in overall air cleaning efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention uses composite filtering materials including HEPA filters combined with activated carbon, and TiO2-coated filters that provide both physical filtration and photocatalytic activity. These composite materials enable simultaneous removal of particles, odors, and microorganisms, resolving the efficiency contradiction.
2Reliability
If multiple functional filters are combined (HEPA, activated carbon, photocatalytic), then comprehensive pollutant removal is achieved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the air treatment process into distinct functional segments: a pre-filter for large particles, a HEPA filter for fine particles, an activated carbon filter for odors, and a TiO2-coated filter for photocatalytic oxidation. Each segment handles specific contaminants, achieving comprehensive pollutant removal while maintaining manageable device complexity through functional segmentation.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention adds the dimension of photocatalytic chemical reaction to the traditional physical filtration approach. By incorporating TiO2-coated filters that activate under UVC light, the system transitions from purely mechanical filtration to a multi-mechanism approach, enhancing pollutant removal effectiveness without proportionally increasing complexity.
3Reliability
If UVC light sources are used to kill microorganisms, then sterilization effectiveness is improved, but the filters may be damaged by UVC radiation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent specifies using UVC light at wavelengths of 250-260 nm (such as 254 nm), which is highly effective for sterilization. Simultaneously, the filters are designed with UVC resistance as a key parameter, using materials and coatings that withstand this specific wavelength range, thereby maintaining both sterilization effectiveness and filter service life.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention acknowledges that filters exposed to UVC radiation may have reduced service life and designs them as replaceable components. The filter housing allows for easy replacement of filters, making the system economically viable even if filters require more frequent replacement due to UVC exposure.
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 air sterilizer unit achieves a high efficiency in removing microorganisms and pollutants, providing a significantly improved indoor environment by using UVC light to kill bacteria and viruses, and HEPA and TiO2 filters to capture particles as small as 0.3 micrometers, with the TiO2 filter enhancing microbial killing through photocatalytic reactions.
Implementation Method 1
at least one UVC light source adapted for radiating microorganisms
Implementation Method 2
the TiO2 filter enhancing microbial killing through photocatalytic reactions
Implementation Method 3
HEPA filter capable of removing air borne particles having a diameter less than 0.5 μm
Implementation Method 4
an active carbon filter capable of removing air borne particles having a diameter less than 100 μm
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention relates to air sterilizer unit having at least one inlet and at least one outlet comprising (a) a filter housing having an interior space wherein at least one UCV light source adapted for radiating microorganisms, is located, and at least one filter with a capacity to reduce or remove microorganisms from ambient air, wherein the filter is UVC resistant and is located between the UVC light source and the at least one outlet, (b) an air transportation unit, wherein the air transportation unit is adapted to move ambient air from the at least one inlet into the filter housing, and being exposed to the UVC light and through the at least one filter, and through the at least one outlet.