Multi-Functional Lighting Fixture with UV-C Air Purification Plenum
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing air filtration systems in indoor environments often fail to effectively remove pathogens due to improper maintenance, leading to the spread of airborne diseases.
Innovation Solution
A configurable lighting fixture with a sealed air plenum containing ultraviolet light emitting diodes and a negative ion generator, which forces air through filters and baffles to destroy pathogens, while also providing backup lighting and remote control capabilities for institutional use.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If air filtration systems are used to remove pathogens, then air purification is improved, but maintenance complexity increases leading to improper maintenance
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines air purification, UV-C disinfection, and negative ion generation into a single integrated lighting fixture. This merging of functions eliminates the need for separate air filtration systems that require complex maintenance, while maintaining effective pathogen removal through the synergistic action of UV-C irradiation and negative ion generation.
Solution Approach 2:
The lighting fixture serves multiple functions simultaneously: providing illumination, purifying air through UV-C irradiation, generating negative ions for additional disinfection, and offering backup lighting capability. This multi-functionality replaces multiple separate systems with a single device that maintains reliability without increasing maintenance burden.
2Reliability
If UV-C irradiation is used to destroy pathogens in air, then pathogen destruction is improved, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges UV-C pathogen destruction with visible light illumination in a single fixture. The UV-C LEDs and visible light LEDs share the same power supply and control circuitry, allowing simultaneous operation with optimized energy management. This combining of functions achieves effective pathogen destruction while managing energy consumption through integrated control.
Solution Approach 2:
The fixture uses LED technology for both UV-C and visible light sources, which provides high energy efficiency compared to traditional lighting. The LED drivers and control circuitry optimize current delivery to minimize energy consumption while maintaining sufficient irradiation intensity for pathogen destruction.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple lighting sources are integrated in one fixture, then functionality is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The fixture is divided into distinct functional compartments: a first compartment housing UV-C LEDs for air purification, a second compartment with visible light LEDs for illumination, and a third compartment containing negative ion generation elements. This segmentation allows each function to operate independently while being integrated in a single fixture, managing complexity through modular organization.
Solution Approach 2:
The fixture integrates multiple lighting sources (UV-C LEDs, visible light LEDs) and air purification functions (negative ion generation) into one universal device. The control circuitry manages multiple functions through a unified interface, achieving versatility without proportionally increasing operational complexity for the user.
4Reliability
If backup battery and backup light are added for power outages, then reliability during power failure is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The backup battery system is integrated with the main power supply circuitry, sharing common control elements and mounting space. The battery charger and backup lighting function are combined with the primary LED drivers, allowing seamless transition between powered and backup operation without requiring separate independent systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The backup battery provides pre-charged power capacity to cushion against power failures. The battery is continuously charged from the mains power when available, ensuring readiness before outage occurs. This beforehand preparation maintains lighting reliability during power failures without requiring complex real-time power management during the outage itself.
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 fixture effectively minimizes pathogens in the environment, providing both air purification and room illumination, with features like circadian lighting and mood enhancement, suitable for hospitals and other indoor settings.
Implementation Method 1
a first lighting source arranged in the plenum to irradiate air passing through the plenum to destroy pathogens
Implementation Method 2
The first compartment can also include a negative ion generator
Data Source
AI summary
A lighting fixture includes a first compartment including a light sealed air plenum and a first lighting source arranged in the plenum to irradiate passing air through the plenum to destroy pathogens. A second compartment is configured to be external to the first compartment. A second lighting source is arranged in the second compartment to illuminate an area adjacent to the second compartment.