Far-UVC Sanitization System for Aircraft Cabin Disinfection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional disinfection procedures in aircraft cabins are time-consuming and difficult to verify, and they may compromise the operating efficiency of aircraft, as they often rely on traditional methods that do not effectively track or ensure the effectiveness of pathogen elimination on surfaces.
Innovation Solution
A sanitization system utilizing Far-UVC radiation (200-230 nm) integrated into passenger service units, with a controller to manage power distribution, dosage tracking, and energy storage, allowing for safe and efficient disinfection during occupied flights, balancing power usage and exposure limits.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional disinfection procedures are used, then pathogen elimination is achieved, but the process is time-consuming and reduces aircraft operating efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces conventional mechanical cleaning and chemical disinfection methods with ultraviolet light irradiation. The UV sanitization system emits ultraviolet light to directly eliminate pathogens on surfaces without requiring physical contact or chemical agents, significantly reducing disinfection time while maintaining effectiveness.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes ultraviolet light with specific wavelength parameters (200-280 nm range) to achieve effective pathogen elimination. By controlling the wavelength and intensity parameters of the UV radiation, the system achieves rapid disinfection without the time requirements of conventional methods.
2Reliability
If conventional disinfection procedures are used, then pathogen elimination is achieved, but the effectiveness and quality of treatment are difficult to verify/track
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates sensors and control systems that monitor and track the UV sanitization process. The system measures parameters such as UV intensity, exposure time, and dosage delivered to surfaces, providing real-time feedback to verify that effective pathogen elimination has been achieved. This creates a traceable record of disinfection quality.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces subjective visual inspection of disinfection quality with objective electronic monitoring and measurement systems. Sensors detect UV radiation levels and provide quantitative data about the sanitization process, enabling verification without human intervention.
3Reliability
If UV sanitization is performed during occupied flights, then continuous pathogen elimination is achieved, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements periodic or cyclic UV sanitization cycles during flights rather than continuous operation. The system activates UV lights at appropriate intervals or during specific phases of the flight when power demand can be managed, achieving continuous pathogen elimination over time while controlling instantaneous power consumption.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs dynamic power management where the UV sanitization system adjusts its operation based on available power, flight phase, and cabin occupancy conditions. The controller dynamically schedules sanitization tasks to balance continuous disinfection effectiveness with power conservation.
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
Enables efficient and safe disinfection of aircraft surfaces during flights, minimizing power consumption and ensuring effective pathogen elimination while tracking exposure, thus improving passenger and crew safety without disrupting flight operations.
Implementation Method 1
each sanitizer in the plurality of sanitizers configured to emit ultraviolet radiation having an average wavelength between 200 and 230 nm
Implementation Method 2
emit ultraviolet radiation having an average wavelength between 200 and 230 nm
Data Source
AI summary
A sanitization system for an aircraft may comprise: a power source; and a plurality of sanitizers in electrical communication with the power source, each sanitizer in the plurality of sanitizers configured to emit ultraviolet radiation having an average wavelength between 200 and 230 nm, the power source configured to provide power to each sanitizer in the plurality of sanitizers in succession during an occupied flight of the aircraft.