Aircraft Air Duct UV-C Sterilization for Continuous Cabin Air Cleaning

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current air management systems in vehicles, such as aircraft, face challenges in continuously maintaining air cleanliness due to the accumulation of bacteria and dirt on filters, requiring frequent cleaning or replacement, and existing filtration methods are not entirely effective in eliminating airborne viruses and bacteria.

Innovation Solution

Incorporating a sterilization system that uses germicidal ultraviolet light with a wavelength between 200 nm and 280 nm, specifically UV-C light, within the air ducts to continuously disinfect the air and filters, ensuring effective sterilization without the need for chemical filtration or frequent filter replacement.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If physical, electrostatic or chemical filtration is used to clean air, then airborne particles are removed, but bacteria and dirt accumulate on the filter requiring cleaning or replacement

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveair cleanlinessVSAvoidfilter maintenance

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical filtration system with a UV-C sterilization system that uses electromagnetic radiation to inactivate microorganisms. Instead of physically trapping bacteria on filter media, the system uses ultraviolet light at wavelengths between 200-280nm to damage microbial DNA/RNA, eliminating the need for mechanical filters that accumulate contaminants.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the approach from physical parameter-based filtration (particle size, charge, chemical affinity) to electromagnetic parameter-based sterilization. By utilizing UV-C light with specific wavelengths (200-280nm), the system targets the molecular structure of microorganisms directly, bypassing the limitations of physical filters.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Reliability

If filters are used to remove bacteria and viruses, then air purification is achieved, but the filters require frequent cleaning or replacement

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveair purification effectivenessVSAvoidfilter maintenance time

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The UV-C sterilization system operates continuously alongside the air management system, providing ongoing sterilization of air as it flows through the cabin. This continuous action eliminates the periodic interruption required for filter maintenance, as the sterilization effect persists as long as the UV source is active and air is flowing.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #20Continuity of useful action

Solution Approach 2:

The UV-C system is self-maintaining in that it does not accumulate contaminants like physical filters do. The sterilization process leaves no residue on surfaces, and the UV lamps themselves require only periodic replacement rather than cleaning, significantly reducing maintenance time and effort.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

3Reliability

If chemical filtration is used to sterilize air, then viruses and bacteria are eliminated, but chemical treatments are required

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesterilization effectivenessVSAvoidchemical exposure

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces chemical filtration methods with physical UV-C irradiation. Instead of using chemical agents that may leave residues or expose occupants to harmful substances, the system uses non-ionizing ultraviolet light to inactivate microorganisms through DNA/RNA damage, eliminating chemical exposure risks.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent converts the potentially harmful UV radiation into a beneficial sterilization tool by carefully controlling the wavelength (200-280nm) and positioning the sources to target only the air handling components and recirculated air, not the occupied cabin space. The UV-C light is confined to ductwork and filter areas, transforming a harmful agent into a useful disinfectant.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

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 use of germicidal ultraviolet light effectively kills bacteria and viruses in the air and on filters, maintaining air cleanliness continuously without exposing occupants to harmful UV radiation, operating effectively during flight and on the ground, and reducing the need for chemical treatments.

Implementation Method 1

at least one light source operable to emit a germicidal ultraviolet light into the flow path defined by the at least one duct to sterilize the air to be provided to the conditioned area

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectGermicidal ultraviolet light: Photoionisation

Data Source

PatentUS12083256B2Integration of UV light into aircraft air management systems

Publication Date: 2024.09.10 HAMILTON SUNDSTRAND CORP

AI summary

An air management system of a vehicle having a conditioned area includes at least one duct defining a flow path for delivering air to the conditioned area and a sterilization system associated with the at least one duct. The sterilization system including at least one light source operable to emit a germicidal ultraviolet light into the flow path defined by the at least one duct to sterilize the air to be provided to the conditioned area.