Deployable UVC Light Assembly for Full Ambulance Cabin Coverage

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing UVC light assemblies in ambulances require multiple units due to limited coverage and reduced effectiveness from reflectors, failing to disinfect areas blocked by objects and losing intensity when reflected.

Innovation Solution

A recessed, self-deploying UVC light assembly with a linear actuator that moves from a horizontal storage position to a vertical disinfection position, eliminating the need for reflectors and ensuring comprehensive disinfection without intensity loss.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of manufacture

If UVC light is hung flat on the ceiling, then the light is easy to install, but the light only disinfects areas directly in sight and surfaces blocked by objects are not cleaned

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of installationVSAvoiddisinfection coverage

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The UVC light assembly is designed to be deployable from a horizontal stored position to a vertical deployed position. The light housing can rotate or pivot to change its orientation, allowing it to dynamically adjust its disinfection coverage area to reach blocked surfaces while maintaining ease of installation in a fixed ceiling location.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The light assembly transitions from a two-dimensional flat ceiling mounting to a three-dimensional deployable structure that can extend downward and rotate. This dimensional change allows the light to access surfaces in multiple directions and angles, significantly increasing the disinfection coverage area beyond what a fixed flat mounting can achieve.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Ease of operation

If reflectors are used in UVC light assemblies, then the light can be directed downward, but the reflector greatly reduces the light's effectiveness by losing intensity

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvelight direction controlVSAvoidUVC light intensity

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSIllumination intensity

Solution Approach 1:

The invention eliminates the reflector component from the UVC light assembly. Instead of using a reflector to redirect light, the system achieves directional control through the deployable light housing orientation and direct downward-facing light emission, preserving UVC light intensity without the energy losses associated with reflector materials.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

Rather than using a reflector to bounce light downward (which causes intensity loss), the inverted approach directs light downward directly through proper positioning and orientation of the light source itself. This reverses the traditional approach of using reflective surfaces and achieves better light intensity preservation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

3Productivity

If multiple UVC lights are installed on ceiling and walls, then comprehensive disinfection coverage is achieved, but the device complexity and number of components increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedisinfection coverageVSAvoidnumber of lights required

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The deployable UVC light assembly is designed as a multi-functional unit that can adjust its orientation and coverage area to perform comprehensive disinfection of various surfaces (walls, ceiling, blocked areas) from a single ceiling mounting location. This universal design replaces the need for multiple specialized lights mounted on different surfaces.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The invention combines the functions of multiple separate UVC lights (ceiling-mounted and wall-mounted units) into a single deployable assembly. By integrating adjustable orientation and extended reach capabilities into one unit, it consolidates multiple discrete components into a unified system that achieves equivalent or superior coverage.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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 assembly provides thorough disinfection of ambulance interiors by positioning UVC light vertically, reducing the need for multiple lights and maintaining intensity, while allowing operation on battery power for flexibility.

Implementation Method 1

the UVC light is moved down to a vertical position by a linear actuator

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectLinear actuator mechanical motion:

Implementation Method 2

The use of ultraviolet (UVC) light has been used in ambulances as a possible way to kill bacterial and viruses

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectUVC light disinfection: Photodissociation

Data Source

PatentUS12496365B1UVC light assembly for ambulance patient cabin

Publication Date: 2025.12.16 MUENKS CORY M

AI summary

A UVC light assembly for an ambulance patient cabin with one or more UVC lights mounted under spring biased doors in a recessed ceiling housing. A pivotable light mount rotated by a linear actuator rotates the one or more UVC lights from horizontal to vertical position in the housing and pushes open the spring biased doors. A timer element passes current through the one or more UVC lights when they are in vertical position. The timer element then stops the current and reverses the polarity on the linear actuator after a predetermined time causing the linear actuator to rotate the light mount with the UVC lights back into horizontal position and the spring biased doors to close.