Backpack UV Sanitizer with Airflow Cooling for Confined Spaces

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Solution Overview

Problem

There is a need for a system and method that efficiently sterilizes surfaces within confined and tight spaces, such as internal vehicle cabins, and can quickly sanitize areas like commercial aircraft, restaurants, and entertainment venues.

Innovation Solution

A portable sanitizing system comprising a wand assembly with a UV lamp and a backpack assembly that includes an airflow device to cool the lamp, draw air, and filter ozone, allowing for effective UV light disinfection in tight spaces.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a UV light sterilization system is used to sanitize surfaces, then sanitation effectiveness is improved, but the system becomes large and bulky requiring fixed infrastructure

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesanitation effectivenessVSAvoidsystem size
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The system is divided into separate functional modules: a portable UV lamp assembly for sanitation and a separate airflow device for cooling and ozone management. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently and reduces the overall system footprint while maintaining effectiveness.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

An airflow device acts as an intermediary between the UV lamp and the environment, managing heat dissipation and ozone levels. This intermediary component enables the UV lamp to operate effectively in confined spaces without requiring large fixed infrastructure for ventilation and cooling.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Ease of operation

If a portable UV sanitizing system is used in confined spaces, then accessibility is improved, but adequate cooling and ozone management becomes difficult

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveaccessibility to confined spacesVSAvoidheat and ozone accumulation
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The system uses an airflow device that generates a controlled air stream to cool the UV lamp and manage ozone levels. This pneumatic approach enables effective heat and ozone management in portable configurations, allowing the system to operate safely in confined spaces without requiring large ventilation systems.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #29Pneumatics and hydraulics

3Area of stationary object

If a fixed infrastructure UV system is used, then sanitation coverage is improved, but portability and flexibility are reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesanitation coverage areaVSAvoidportability
Core Design Contradiction:
Area of stationary objectVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The system transitions from a fixed stationary configuration to a dynamic portable design where the UV lamp and airflow device can be moved freely. This dynamic configuration maintains sanitation coverage capability while enabling flexibility and adaptability to various locations including confined spaces and different vehicles.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

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 portable system enables efficient and quick UV light disinfection of high-touch surfaces within vehicles and other confined areas, ensuring effective sanitation while being compact and easy to use.

Implementation Method 1

a wand assembly with a UV lamp... effective UV light disinfection

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectUltraviolet light disinfection: Radiation

Implementation Method 2

an airflow device that is configured to generate airflow to cool the UV lamp

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectForced convection cooling: Forced Convection

Implementation Method 3

draw air from the sanitizing head of the wand assembly

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectSuction: Suction

Data Source

PatentEP3915597B1Portable sanitizing system having a backpack assembly coupled to a wand assembly
Publication Date: 2024.07.10 THE BOEING CO
  • EP3915597B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3915597B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP3915597B1 patent drawingFigure 5~6

AI summary

A portable sanitizing system includes a wand assembly including an ultraviolet (UV) lamp, and a backpack assembly coupled to the wand assembly. A portable sanitizing method includes coupling a backpack assembly to a wand assembly including an ultraviolet (UV) lamp.