Bimodal UV Disinfection System with Occupancy Sensor
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing UV disinfection systems for enclosed spaces pose a risk to human safety due to the exposure of UV radiation, and there is a need for systems that can selectively operate based on occupancy to ensure effective disinfection without endangering people present in these spaces.
Innovation Solution
A UV disinfection system comprising UV emitters, sensors to detect occupancy, and a controller that adjusts the emission of UV radiation based on occupancy conditions, allowing the system to operate only when the space is unoccupied, with adjustable UV radiation directors to block or allow transmission of UV light depending on the presence of people.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If UV emitters continuously emit UV radiation for disinfection, then disinfection effectiveness is improved, but human safety deteriorates due to UV exposure risk
Solution Approach 1:
The UV emitter assembly is made dynamically adjustable between open and closed states, allowing the system to adapt its operation based on occupancy detection. The controller opens the assembly during unoccupied periods for disinfection and closes it during occupied periods to prevent exposure, resolving the contradiction between continuous disinfection and human safety
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates occupancy sensors that provide feedback to the controller about human presence. This feedback loop enables the controller to automatically adjust the UV emitter assembly state, opening it when no occupancy is detected and closing it when occupancy is detected, thereby balancing disinfection effectiveness with human safety
2Productivity
If UV emitters are positioned to maximize disinfection coverage, then disinfection efficiency is improved, but safety deteriorates due to increased UV transmission risk when occupied
Solution Approach 1:
The UV emitter assembly's position is made dynamically controllable, allowing it to be opened to maximize disinfection coverage during unoccupied periods and closed to block UV transmission during occupied periods. This dynamic positioning resolves the contradiction between optimization for disinfection efficiency and safety protection
3Device complexity
If a fixed UV emission structure is used, then device complexity is reduced, but adaptability deteriorates due to inability to adjust for occupancy conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The system transitions from a fixed UV emitter structure to a dynamically adjustable assembly that can open and close based on occupancy. This dynamic structure provides the necessary adaptability to different occupancy conditions while maintaining relatively simple implementation through motorized adjustment and controller integration
Solution Approach 2:
The adjustable UV emitter assembly serves multiple functions: it enables effective disinfection during unoccupied periods by opening, provides safety protection during occupied periods by closing, and allows flexible positioning to optimize UV radiation distribution. This multi-functionality resolves the contradiction between structural simplicity and operational adaptability
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 ensures safe and effective disinfection of enclosed spaces by controlling UV radiation emission based on occupancy, preventing exposure to UV light when people are present and ensuring a predetermined UV dose is delivered when the space is unoccupied, thereby enhancing safety and disinfection efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
The UV emitters selectively emit UV electromagnetic radiation
Implementation Method 2
A wavelength range of 200 nm to 300 nm corresponds to the peak absorption of DNA. Absorption of UV electromagnetic radiation by DNA is lethal for microorganisms
Implementation Method 3
Transmission of UV electromagnetic radiation into the enclosed space can be substantially blocked when the UV electromagnetic radiation director is in the closed state
Data Source
AI summary
A system for disinfecting an enclosed space includes a housing, ultraviolet (UV) emitters, a sensor to detect occupancy in or entry into an enclosed space, a UV directing mechanism, and a controller. The housing includes an air flow passageway. When the UV directing mechanism is in the closed state, the UV emitters are positioned in the air flow passageway and transmission of UV electromagnetic radiation into the enclosed space is substantially blocked. UV electromagnetic radiation is transmitted into the enclosed space when the UV directing mechanism is in the at least one open state. Disinfection operations can be activated when the UV directing mechanism is in the open state or the closed state. When the UV directing mechanism is in the open state, the disinfection operation is activated when the sensor indicates no occupancy in or no entry into the enclosed space.