Compressor Tank UV LED Disinfection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Air compressors in dental and medical applications face contamination from bacteria and organisms forming on internal surfaces due to the unsuitability of mercury lamps in pressurized and vibrating environments, and the inefficacy of low-power UV LEDs for disinfection.
Innovation Solution
Integration of high-power 365 nm UV LEDs within the compressor tank, protected by a quartz or similar cover, with airflow structures to prevent particle accumulation and direct germicidal light to areas where liquids accumulate, utilizing turbulence to maintain cleanliness.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If mercury lamps are used for disinfection, then sterilization effectiveness is improved, but reliability deteriorates due to unsuitability in pressurized and vibrating environments
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the wavelength parameter of the UV light source from 254 nm (mercury lamp) to 365 nm (UV LED), which maintains germicidal effectiveness while enabling operation in pressurized and vibrating environments. This parameter change allows the disinfection system to function reliably in compressor tanks without the fragility issues of mercury lamps.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical mercury lamp system with a solid-state UV LED system, eliminating the glass envelope and mercury fill that make traditional lamps vulnerable to vibration and pressure. This substitution maintains the optical disinfection function while improving mechanical reliability in harsh environments.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If UV LEDs are used for disinfection, then reliability in vibrating environments is improved, but sterilization effectiveness deteriorates due to low power and wrong wavelength
Solution Approach 1:
The patent selects UV LEDs with a peak wavelength of 365 nm, which is closer to the optimal 254 nm for germicidal effect than commercially available alternatives. This wavelength parameter optimization, combined with high-power LED technology, achieves both vibration resistance and effective sterilization capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements periodic disinfection cycles where the UV LED array is activated at intervals to maintain sanitation in the compressor tank. This periodic operation allows the system to accumulate sufficient germicidal effect over time while managing the power constraints of LED components.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If continuous disinfection is implemented, then air purity is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs the UV LED array to be self-contained within the compressor tank, requiring no external control systems or periodic manual intervention. The system activates automatically based on simple timing or operational triggers, maintaining air purity through continuous or periodic disinfection while minimizing added complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent integrates the UV LED array into the existing compressor tank structure, allowing the same component to serve both as a structural element and a disinfection device. This multi-functionality approach reduces overall system complexity by combining sanitation functionality with existing hardware rather than adding separate discrete systems.
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
Continuous disinfection of internal compressor surfaces, reducing bacterial contamination and maintaining air purity without interrupting compressor operation, while ensuring the UV LEDs withstand vibrations and remain effective.
Implementation Method 1
ultraviolet light-emitting diodes (LEDs) with an output wavelength of 365 nm can function as an effective sterilization device
Implementation Method 2
ultraviolet (UV) irradiation can effectively inactivate certain types of bacteria
Implementation Method 3
A protective cover made of quartz or similar situated between the LED and the air in the compressor tank can be used to protect the LED from the environment within the compressor tank
Implementation Method 4
means for directing the air flow to remove particles from the light source cover. The turbulence can be provided by a member with an arcuate profile along which the air flow is directed
Data Source
AI summary
The air compressor has an air intake, a tank, means for pressurizing the air in the tank and an air outlet connected to the tank. High power 365 nm UV LED light sources are mounted within the tank to disinfect the interior tank surface. The light source has a cover for protecting the light source which may take the form of a quartz diverging lens for directing the output of the light source toward the portion of the interior tank surface where fluid tends to accumulate, such as the bottom of the tank. Air flow is directed through the area proximate the light source to remove particles from the light source cover. The effect of this air flow can be amplified by creating turbulence proximate the light sources utilizing a member with an arcuate profile.