Elevator Cabin UV Air Recirculation for Rapid Sanitization

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing air purification methods, such as filtration and UV radiation, are inefficient and impractical for sanitizing elevator cabins due to size constraints and frequent component replacement needs, which are not aligned with routine elevator maintenance schedules.

Innovation Solution

A method utilizing UV radiation with optimized air flow recirculation ratio (Rr) and bactericidal lamp power within specific ranges (0.03-0.12 W per 1 m³/h) to achieve rapid and efficient air sanitization in elevator cabins.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If filtration devices are used for air sanitization, then air purification effectiveness is improved, but device size and weight increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveair purification effectivenessVSAvoiddevice weight

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSWeight of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The invention extracts and removes the filtration component from the air sanitization system, relying solely on UV radiation for disinfection. This eliminates the need for filters and their associated weight, while maintaining sanitization effectiveness through direct UV exposure of the air stream.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The invention replaces the mechanical filtration system with a radiation-based UV disinfection system. Instead of physically trapping particles through filters, the system uses ultraviolet radiation to inactivate microorganisms directly in the air, substituting mechanical separation with electromagnetic radiation action.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Reliability

If filtration devices are used for air sanitization, then air purification effectiveness is improved, but energy consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveair purification effectivenessVSAvoidenergy consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The invention extracts and removes the filtration component from the air sanitization system, relying solely on UV radiation for disinfection. This eliminates the need for filters and their associated weight, while maintaining sanitization effectiveness through direct UV exposure of the air stream.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The invention replaces the mechanical filtration system with a radiation-based UV disinfection system. Instead of physically trapping particles through filters, the system uses ultraviolet radiation to inactivate microorganisms directly in the air, substituting mechanical separation with electromagnetic radiation action.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Reliability

If filters are used in air sanitization devices, then air purification is achieved, but maintenance frequency increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveair purificationVSAvoidmaintenance frequency

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of repair

Solution Approach 1:

The invention extracts and removes the filtration component from the air sanitization system, relying solely on UV radiation for disinfection. This eliminates the need for filters and their associated weight, while maintaining sanitization effectiveness through direct UV exposure of the air stream.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

4Productivity

If high productivity disinfection unit is used, then sanitization effectiveness is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesanitization effectivenessVSAvoiddevice complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The invention extracts and removes the filtration component from the air sanitization system, relying solely on UV radiation for disinfection. This eliminates the need for filters and their associated weight, while maintaining sanitization effectiveness through direct UV exposure of the air stream.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

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

Achieves a 5-time reduction in air contamination within 4 minutes, meeting operational requirements while minimizing device size, weight, and energy consumption.

Implementation Method 1

treatment of the specified air flow with UV rays emitted by at least one first source of UV radiation

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectUV radiation: Radiation

Implementation Method 2

Control is carried out to ensure that the microorganisms receive, at least, a fixed minimum dose of UV radiation that leads to their elimination

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectGermicidal effect: Radiation

Data Source

PatentEP3925635B1Method for sanitizing air in an elevator cabin with UV radiation

Publication Date: 2026.01.21 OBSHCHESTVO S OGRANICHENNOI OTVETSTVENNOSTIU LITTRANSSERVIS

Figure 1~2
Figure 3

AI summary

The invention relates to the sphere of sanitizing air in enclosed structures characterized by a high level of air contamination. According to the invention, the method for sanitizing of an elevator cabin by UV radiation presupposes the formation of an air flow out of the air present in an enclosed structure of an elevator cabin, and further pumping of the air flow through a chamber with a germicidal lamp (the lamp power is 0.03 - 0.12 W per 1 m3 of the pumped air flow per hour) to ensure the sanitization of this air with ultraviolet radiation. The air flow recirculation ratio is 30 to 60 h-1. The technical result of the invention is the higher efficiency of elevator cabin sanitization performed in a short period of time.