Fluid Sterilization Device with Notched Pipe Wall
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing fluid sterilization devices require a large number of assembly steps due to the fixed light source being attached to the housing outside the flow path pipe and then fixed to the pipe.
Innovation Solution
A fluid sterilization device with a cylindrical flow path pipe featuring a notched region along its longitudinal direction, allowing the light source unit to be easily attached and housed within the notched region, thereby reducing assembly complexity and enhancing light entry efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the light source is fixed to the housing outside the flow path pipe and then the housing is fixed to the pipe, then the light source can be properly positioned, but the number of assembly steps increases
Solution Approach 1:
The light source unit is integrated directly into the flow path pipe by forming a notched region in the pipe wall and housing the light source unit within this notch. This merging of the light source unit with the flow path pipe eliminates the separate housing structure and reduces the number of assembly steps while ensuring proper positioning of the light source.
Solution Approach 2:
A notched region is formed in the side peripheral wall of the flow path pipe to create a dedicated space for the light source unit. This segmentation of the pipe structure allows the light source unit to be independently positioned and attached directly to the pipe, simplifying the overall assembly process.
2Ease of manufacture
If the light source unit is housed inside the flow path pipe in a notched region, then assembly is simplified and light entry efficiency increases, but the pipe structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
A notched region is formed in the side peripheral wall of the flow path pipe to create a dedicated space for the light source unit. This segmentation of the pipe structure allows the light source unit to be independently positioned and attached directly to the pipe, simplifying the overall assembly process.
3Productivity
If the light source unit is positioned inside the flow path pipe, then ultraviolet light entry efficiency increases, but the device size may increase
Solution Approach 1:
The light source unit is integrated directly into the flow path pipe by forming a notched region in the pipe wall and housing the light source unit within this notch. This merging eliminates the need for external housing structures, reducing overall device size while positioning the light source optimally for ultraviolet light entry into the pipe.
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 solution enables easy attachment of the light source unit to the flow path pipe, reduces the device's size, and increases the efficiency of ultraviolet light entry into the pipe, thereby enhancing sterilization effectiveness.
Implementation Method 1
a light source unit including a light emitting element disposed on the side peripheral wall and a substrate on which the light emitting element is mounted
Implementation Method 2
an ultraviolet light-transmitting window portion provided in the through hole
Implementation Method 3
an annular reflector that is housed in the notched region to surround the light emitting element
Implementation Method 4
a heat sink that is disposed at a more radially outward position relative to the substrate of the light source unit and that is in contact with an outer surface of the substrate
Data Source
AI summary
An aspect is to provide a fluid sterilization device that appropriately causes ultraviolet light emitted from a light source (light emitting element) to enter a flow path pipe to enhance sterilizing ability. The fluid sterilization device can include a cylindrical flow path pipe having a side peripheral wall, and a light source unit including a light emitting element disposed on the side peripheral wall and a substrate on which the light emitting element is mounted, wherein a notched region along a longitudinal direction of the flow path pipe is formed in the side peripheral wall of the flow path pipe, and the light source unit is housed in the notched region. The fluid sterilization device preferably further includes a heat sink that is disposed at a more radially outward position relative to the substrate of the light source unit and that is in contact with an outer surface of the substrate, and a housing that houses the heat sink. The flow path pipe preferably has a through hole at a position in the notched region where the light emitting element faces the notched region, and the fluid sterilization device preferably further includes: an ultraviolet light-transmitting window portion provided in the through hole; and an annular reflector that is housed in the notched region to surround the light emitting element.