Modular UV Disinfection Units for Doorway-Ready Deployment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing UV disinfection systems in medical facilities are often stationary, limiting their adaptability and mobility, and require manual relocation or replacement when space or equipment changes occur, leading to high installation, maintenance, and labor costs due to their large size and weight.
Innovation Solution
The development of modular disinfection systems comprising interchangeable units with integrated energy sources, allowing for flexible assembly and disassembly to fit through standard doorways, enabling disinfection of various objects and spaces without extensive reconfiguration.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If stationary UV disinfection systems are used, then disinfection effectiveness is improved, but adaptability and mobility deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The disinfection system is divided into multiple modular units that can be independently assembled and disassembled. Each module contains essential disinfection components, allowing the system to be configured for different spaces and equipment types while maintaining disinfection effectiveness through standardized UV irradiation protocols
2Area of stationary object
If large-scale disinfection systems are assembled, then disinfection coverage is improved, but ease of transport and deployment deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system is segmented into transportable modular units that can be moved through standard doorways and then assembled to cover large areas. This segmentation allows the system to maintain both mobility during transport and extensive coverage when deployed
Solution Approach 2:
Modular units are designed to nest within each other during transport, with smaller modules fitting inside larger ones. This nesting arrangement minimizes transport space requirements while allowing the modules to be expanded into a large-scale disinfection system when deployed
3Stability of the object's composition
If unitary disinfection systems are used, then structural stability is improved, but ease of repair and modification deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses modular architecture where each module is independently stable yet can be easily replaced or modified. This segmentation allows individual modules to be repaired or upgraded without affecting the overall structural stability of the complete disinfection system
Solution Approach 2:
Standardized interfaces and universal mounting mechanisms are implemented across all modules, allowing any module to be replaced with an equivalent unit. This universality maintains structural stability while greatly facilitating repair and modification operations
4Adaptability or versatility
If manual relocation of disinfection systems is performed, then adaptability is improved, but loss of time and labor costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The modular design enables rapid assembly and disassembly of the disinfection system. Modules can be quickly connected using standardized interfaces, significantly reducing the time required to relocate or reconfigure the system compared to traditional fixed installations
Solution Approach 2:
The system transitions from a static fixed installation to a dynamic reconfigurable structure. Modules can be easily moved and repositioned to adapt to changing spatial requirements or equipment locations, reducing downtime and labor associated with system relocation
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 modular design reduces installation and maintenance costs by allowing easy relocation and adaptation to changing environments, ensuring effective disinfection of diverse objects and spaces with reduced downtime.
Implementation Method 1
UV light emitted from a disinfection system to effectively eliminate pathogens on equipment and/or within spaces
Data Source
AI summary
Systems, apparatus, and methods are described for a disinfecting system formed of a plurality of modular units, wherein each modular unit is (1) coupleable to at least one other modular unit from the plurality of modular units and (2) includes an energy source from a plurality of energy sources. The plurality of energy sources can be configured to provide energy having an intensity capable of disinfecting a surface of the object located in a disinfecting area.