Movable Ultraviolet Source for Targeted Surface Disinfection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing ultraviolet radiation systems for disinfection face inefficiencies due to the use of optical elements that absorb UV radiation and difficulties in focusing UV light on moving surfaces, leading to incomplete disinfection and reduced effectiveness.
Innovation Solution
A movable ultraviolet source that emits a focused beam of radiation with a smaller cross-sectional area than the surface to be treated, allowing for precise irradiation of any portion of the surface through rotational and positional adjustments, enabled by a computer system that monitors bioactivity and adjusts the UV source's movement accordingly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If optical elements are used to direct ultraviolet light, then the ultraviolet radiation can be focused on the target surface, but the optical elements absorb UV radiation reducing overall system efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes optical elements (lenses, reflectors) from the UV radiation system entirely. Instead of using these elements to direct and focus UV light, the invention employs a movable UV source that physically relocates to illuminate different areas, thereby eliminating UV absorption by optical components and achieving energy-efficient disinfection.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the optical system (lenses and reflectors) with a mechanical system. A movable UV source, controlled by a computer system that tracks surface position, physically moves to different locations to illuminate the target area. This mechanical approach substitutes for the optical focusing mechanism, eliminating energy loss while maintaining precise illumination control.
2Device complexity
If a stationary ultraviolet source is used, then the system structure is simple, but it cannot effectively disinfect moving surfaces
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transforms the stationary UV source into a dynamic, movable source. The UV source is mounted on a movable platform that can change position in response to real-time surface location data. This dynamic capability ensures continuous effective disinfection of moving surfaces while maintaining relatively simple system architecture through computer-controlled automation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a feedback control system where a computer system receives real-time information about surface position and movement, then adjusts the UV source location accordingly. This closed-loop feedback ensures the UV source continuously targets the correct area on moving surfaces, maintaining disinfection effectiveness without requiring complex mechanical tracking structures.
3Reliability
If ultraviolet radiation is applied to the entire surface area, then complete disinfection is achieved, but energy waste increases due to irradiation of non-target areas
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies UV radiation locally rather than uniformly across the entire surface. The movable UV source is positioned to illuminate only the specific target area that requires disinfection at any given moment. This localized approach ensures complete disinfection of relevant areas while minimizing energy waste on non-target surfaces.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses a dynamically positioned UV source that adapts its location to match the real-time position of the target area on moving surfaces. This dynamic localization ensures UV energy is concentrated only where needed, achieving complete disinfection of target areas while preventing energy waste on surrounding non-target surfaces.
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
This solution ensures effective disinfection of surfaces by delivering a targeted dose of UV radiation, reducing waste and absorption by non-target surfaces, and maintaining the quality of treated items.
Implementation Method 1
UV-C light is invisible to the human eye. While UV-C light is invisible, given sufficient intensity and exposure, UV-C light can kill most of the germs responsible for causing disease in humans and animals. UV-C light can destroy the DNA and/or RNA (genetic material) of pathogens (disease-causing bacteria, viruses, mold, etc.).
Data Source
AI summary
A solution for irradiating a surface with ultraviolet radiation is provided. A movable optical element is utilized to form a beam of ultraviolet radiation having a characteristic cross-sectional area smaller than an area of the surface to be irradiated. The movable optical element can be moved as necessary to directly irradiate any portion of the surface with radiation within the characteristic cross-sectional area of the beam of ultraviolet radiation. The movement can include, for example, rotational movement and/or repositioning the movable ultraviolet source with respect to the surface.