Elevator Car Ceiling UVC Radiation Device for Input Panel Disinfection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Elevator car control panels are prone to contamination with pathogens like COVID-19 viruses, necessitating an efficient disinfection method to prevent transmission among users.
Innovation Solution
Integration of a UVC radiation device within the elevator car, positioned on the ceiling, using UVC LEDs that emit radiation between 200-300 nm to disinfect surfaces, combined with sensors to ensure safe operation by activating disinfection only when the car is unoccupied, and optionally using reflectors for targeted irradiation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If contactless input devices are used, then pathogen transmission is reduced, but user interaction convenience deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary disinfection of the contact panel before user interaction by detecting approaching users via sensors and activating UVC radiation in advance, thereby preparing a clean surface while maintaining conventional contact-based interaction methods
Solution Approach 2:
The disinfection system operates periodically rather than continuously, activating UVC radiation at intervals when user presence is detected and deactivating when the car is unoccupied, thus balancing pathogen elimination with energy efficiency and user convenience
2Reliability
If UVC radiation device is continuously active, then disinfection effectiveness is improved, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The control system activates UVC radiation periodically based on sensor detection of user presence, switching the radiation device on when users approach and off when the car is empty, thereby maintaining disinfection effectiveness while minimizing energy consumption during idle periods
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses sensors to detect user presence and provides feedback to the control unit, which automatically adjusts UVC radiation activation accordingly, creating a closed-loop system that optimizes energy usage based on actual disinfection needs
3Reliability
If UVC radiation device is positioned for optimal irradiation, then disinfection effectiveness is improved, but collision risk during goods transport increases
Solution Approach 1:
The UVC radiation device is mounted on the car ceiling rather than protruding into the car interior, utilizing the vertical dimension for optimal irradiation angles while maintaining a low profile that eliminates collision risks during goods transport
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
Effectively renders harmful pathogens harmless on surfaces and in the air, ensuring a safe and hygienic environment while minimizing energy consumption and maintaining a low profile to avoid collisions during goods transport.
Implementation Method 1
UVC (ultraviolet C wavelength) radiation device for irradiating the input device with radiation in the UVC range for disinfecting the surfaces
Implementation Method 2
In these regions, the germs, more precisely the DNA thereof, absorb the UV light, and permanent damage to the DNA/RNA occurs
Implementation Method 3
The UVC radiation device comprises a plurality of UVC LEDs as radiation sources
Implementation Method 4
UVC LEDs for emitting radiation in the UVC range
Data Source
AI summary
An elevator car includes an input device arranged on an interior surface of a first car side wall and a UVC radiation device for irradiating the input device with radiation in the UVC range, the UVC radiation device being arranged on a car ceiling. The UVC radiation device has a plurality of UVC LEDs as radiation sources arranged next to one another in a horizontal direction. The UVC LEDs are arranged in the UVC radiation device such that the emission direction is directed upward. A reflector embodied as a concave mirror is assigned to each radiation source. The UVC LEDs and the reflectors are installed in a box-shaped housing.