Germicidal Light Fixture Insert With UV Air Circulation
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current UV lighting systems are ineffective in eradicating airborne microorganisms due to static design limitations, limited air volume coverage, and the need for direct exposure, which can lead to incomplete eradication and mutation of bacteria, posing risks in high-traffic areas like hospitals and public spaces.
Innovation Solution
A modular germicidal insert with a UV light source and air mover integrated into a light fixture, capable of circulating air through a cleansing chamber to effectively destroy bacterial DNA, with sensors for monitoring germicidal effectiveness and automatic power cutoff, and designed for easy maintenance and configuration to fit various ceiling types.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If UV light is used to eradicate airborne microorganisms, then the effectiveness of killing bacteria is improved, but the limitation of static design and limited air volume coverage reduces overall eradication effectiveness
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transforms the static UV lighting system into a dynamic one by incorporating an air mover that actively circulates air through the UV chamber. This dynamic air circulation system allows the device to treat larger volumes of air over time by continuously bringing new air into contact with the UV light, thereby resolving the contradiction between maintaining high germicidal effectiveness and expanding air volume coverage.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary action by pre-circulating air through the UV chamber before it enters the breathing zone. The air mover continuously draws air through the treatment chamber, ensuring that air is purified in advance before being released into the environment, which enhances overall coverage without compromising the reliability of germicidal action.
2Ease of manufacture
If UV lamp technology is placed in static designs for high volume air treatment, then the placement is simple, but the effectiveness to treat large volume areas is limited due to safety concerns
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates an air mover to create dynamic air circulation through the UV chamber, allowing the system to treat large volumes of air over time. The air mover continuously draws air through the treatment zone, exposing microorganisms to UV light repeatedly as air circulates, thereby achieving large volume treatment effectiveness while maintaining simple placement in existing light fixtures.
Solution Approach 2:
The system adds the dimension of time to the treatment process by continuously circulating air through the UV chamber. Instead of relying on high instantaneous UV intensity that would require complex safety systems, the air mover enables prolonged exposure over time, achieving effective treatment of large air volumes while maintaining simple placement in standard light fixtures.
3Reliability
If air is circulated through the UV chamber continuously, then the germicidal effectiveness is improved, but the energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs periodic operation of the air mover, activating it during periods when occupancy is low or during unoccupied hours to circulate and treat air through the UV chamber. This periodic action maintains high germicidal effectiveness by treating air when human exposure to UV is minimal, while reducing energy consumption compared to continuous operation. The system can be integrated with occupancy sensors to optimize operation timing.
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 system provides comprehensive airborne microorganism eradication, reducing the risk of infection and mutation, while being flexible and safe for use in high-traffic areas with minimal maintenance requirements.
Implementation Method 1
an ultraviolet (UV) light source provided at such a wavelength as to destroy bacterial matter
Implementation Method 2
an air mover adapted to move air into the enclosure and circulate the air within the chamber
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure relates to adapting a commonly used lighting fixture that is generally specified as the primary lighting source for illuminating a particular area as the apparatus for enclosing an additional UV lighting mechanism. Further, the disclosure relates to a device that can be integrated into a light fixture used with a suspended grid ceiling or a solid ceiling. Also, the present disclosure relates to a germicidal fixture used in association with a light fixture, and to an apparatus for a new germicidal light fixture and for replacing or converting an existing light fixture for efficient germicidal use.