Adjustable HVAC UV-C Lamp Frame for Uniform Duct Disinfection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing disinfection systems for HVAC systems face challenges with size and power limitations of UV-C lamps, reduced reflective efficiency due to debris and dust, and the need for adjustable installations to fit various duct sizes, which affect the distribution and effectiveness of UV-C light disinfection.
Innovation Solution
An adjustable frame system with slidably movable holding structures and reflective surface assemblies allows for customizable installation within HVAC ducts, ensuring the UV-C lamp is centrally positioned for optimal light distribution, with adjustable rails and notches for fitting different duct sizes and easy cleaning of reflective surfaces.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If UV-C lamps are installed inside HVAC systems for disinfection, then disinfection effectiveness is improved, but the lamp size and power are limited by the duct configuration
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs adjustable and removable reflective surfaces that can be dynamically positioned and reconfigured within the duct. This dynamic adjustment allows optimization of UV-C light distribution to enhance disinfection effectiveness without requiring higher lamp power, as the system adapts to maximize the utilization of available light within the constrained duct space.
2Illumination intensity
If reflective surfaces are installed inside HVAC ducts to enhance UV-C light distribution, then light distribution is improved, but the reflecting qualities are reduced by debris and dust accumulation
Solution Approach 1:
The reflective surfaces are designed to be adjustable and removable, enabling periodic cleaning and maintenance. This dynamic capability allows the system to maintain high reflective quality by removing accumulated debris and dust, thereby preserving UV-C light distribution effectiveness over time.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent incorporates removable reflective surfaces that can be taken out for cleaning and then reinstalled. This process of discarding the contaminated surface (for cleaning) and recovering it (after cleaning) ensures that the reflective properties are maintained, preventing degradation from dust and debris accumulation.
3Reliability
If the lamp is installed in the center of a duct with reflective surfaces on opposite sides to achieve effective disinfection, then disinfection effectiveness is improved, but the installation cannot be adjusted to fit various duct sizes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent utilizes adjustable holding structures and removable reflective surfaces that can be dynamically configured to fit various duct sizes. This dynamic adaptability allows the system to maintain optimal lamp positioning and reflective surface placement across different duct dimensions, ensuring disinfection effectiveness while providing versatility for various installation scenarios.
Solution Approach 2:
The adjustable frame structure with movable holding structures serves multiple functions: it accommodates different duct sizes, positions the lamp centrally, and supports reflective surfaces. This universal design allows a single system configuration to adapt to various duct dimensions while maintaining the required disinfection effectiveness.
4Ease of manufacture
If fixed installation structures are used to position UV-C lamps and reflective surfaces, then installation simplicity is improved, but the system cannot be adjusted to different duct sizes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs adjustable holding structures with movable components that can be configured for different duct sizes. While slightly more complex than fixed installations, these dynamic structures maintain relative simplicity by using standardized adjustable mechanisms rather than custom-fitted components for each duct size, balancing ease of installation with adaptability.
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 achieves optimal UV-C light distribution, increasing disinfection efficiency by positioning the lamp centrally and ensuring reflective surfaces effectively abut the duct sides, enhancing the disinfection coverage and maintaining reflectivity by cleaning debris from the surfaces.
Implementation Method 1
UV-C light is known as one of the most effective disinfectants against biological micro-organisms, such as viruses, bacteria, mold and fungi
Implementation Method 2
the lamp should be installed in the center of a duct with the reflective surfaces attached to the opposite sides of the duct to prevent the air passing behind the reflective surfaces, hidden from the effect of the UV-C light
Data Source
AI summary
A disinfecting system for mounting within an HVAC system, comprising an adjustable frame, which comprises a first holding structure; and a second holding structure, wherein the first holding structure and the second holding structure are slidably moveable with respect to each other, thereby adjusting the width of the adjustable frame; and a lamp adapted to be fixedly connected to the adjustable frame.