Deployable UV Light Assembly for Aircraft Lavatory Sanitization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing ultraviolet light sanitizing systems for aircraft lavatories face challenges in effectively sanitizing surfaces without interfering with their use, as fixed UV light assemblies either protrude into confined spaces or require increased power due to distance, reducing efficiency.
Innovation Solution
A deployable UV light sanitizing system with a moveable UV light assembly that can be stowed within a chamber and deployed closer to surfaces, equipped with a shield to reduce electromagnetic interference, and controlled by a UV light control unit that detects occupancy to initiate sanitizing cycles only when the space is unoccupied.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the UV light assembly is positioned in close proximity to the surface to be sanitized, then the sanitizing efficiency is improved, but the UV light assembly protrudes into the confined space and interferes with component use
Solution Approach 1:
The UV light assembly is made movable between a retracted position (when not in use) and a deployed position (during sanitizing cycles). This dynamic positioning allows the system to achieve close proximity for effective sanitizing while avoiding interference with component use during normal operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs occupancy detection before initiating the sanitizing cycle. By checking whether the confined space is occupied in advance, the system ensures that the UV light assembly can be deployed to close proximity without risking interference with or harm to users.
2Ease of operation
If the UV light assembly is positioned at a greater distance from the component to avoid interference, then the ease of operation is improved, but the power required to sanitize the component increases
Solution Approach 1:
The UV light assembly transitions from a static fixed position to a dynamic movable position, enabling it to achieve optimal close proximity during sanitizing cycles. This eliminates the need to operate at greater distances and reduces the power consumption required for effective sanitizing.
3Reliability
If the UV light assembly is fixed in close proximity to the surface, then the sanitizing effectiveness is improved, but the device complexity increases due to deployment mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
A movable deployment mechanism is integrated into the UV light assembly, allowing it to transition between retracted and deployed positions. This dynamic capability enables close proximity positioning for effective sanitizing while maintaining a compact form when not in use, balancing effectiveness with manageable complexity.
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 efficiently sanitizes surfaces by positioning the UV light assembly in close proximity, reducing sanitizing time and ensuring non-interference with user access, while maintaining effective UV light emission and minimizing electromagnetic interference.
Implementation Method 1
a UV light emitter
Implementation Method 2
emit sanitizing UV light onto the surface(s)
Implementation Method 3
a shield surrounding at least a portion of the housing. The shield is configured to block electromagnetic interference
Data Source
AI summary
An ultraviolet (UV) light sanitizing system and method are configured to sanitize at least one surface within an enclosed space. The UV light sanitizing system includes a UV light assembly that is selectively moveable between a stowed position and a deployed position. The UV light assembly is stowed within a stowage chamber connected to the enclosed space in the stowed position. The UV light assembly deploys out of the stowage chamber and into the enclosed space in the deployed position.