Multi-Wave UV Sterilization for Selective Virus and Bacteria Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
There is a need for effective and efficient methods to maintain hygienic storage conditions, particularly in situations where access to electricity is limited, such as in food storage and handling, where ultraviolet radiation can be used to reduce microbial loads without altering the taste or flavor of food products.
Innovation Solution
A system utilizing ultraviolet radiation sources with adjustable wavelength and intensity settings, managed by a monitoring and control system, to selectively target and destroy or suppress viruses and bacteria in storage areas, including refrigerated units, pantries, and other storage environments.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If ultraviolet light is used to reduce microbial load, then hygiene and shelf life are improved, but exposure time and dosage control become complex
Solution Approach 1:
The system employs multiple UV light sources with different wavelengths (UV-C at 254nm and UV-B at 280nm) to treat different types of microorganisms. By changing the wavelength parameter and combining different UV sources, the system achieves comprehensive disinfection while simplifying the control mechanism through standardized multi-wave exposure protocols.
Solution Approach 2:
The sterilization system is designed to handle multiple types of microorganisms (bacteria, viruses, spores) using a single integrated system that combines different UV wavelengths. This multi-functional approach allows one system to perform what would otherwise require multiple separate treatment processes, reducing overall complexity.
2Reliability
If pasteurization is used to reduce microbial load, then microbiological safety is improved, but taste and flavor are deteriorated
Solution Approach 1:
The system replaces thermal pasteurization with ultraviolet radiation for disinfection. UV light at specific wavelengths (254nm and 280nm) effectively kills microorganisms through DNA damage without the need for heat, thereby preserving the taste, flavor, and nutritional qualities of food products while achieving microbiological safety.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the disinfection parameter from thermal energy to ultraviolet radiation energy. By using UV-C and UV-B wavelengths instead of heat, the system achieves microbial destruction while avoiding the thermal degradation that affects taste and flavor compounds in food.
3Reliability
If multiple UV wavelengths are used to treat different microorganisms, then disinfection effectiveness is improved, but system complexity is increased
Solution Approach 1:
The system merges multiple UV light sources with different wavelengths (UV-C at 254nm and UV-B at 280nm) into a single integrated sterilization chamber. This combination allows simultaneous treatment of different microorganisms (bacteria, viruses, spores) in one exposure cycle, improving disinfection effectiveness while managing complexity through unified system design.
Solution Approach 2:
The multi-wave UV system serves as a universal disinfection platform that can treat various types of microorganisms using different wavelengths. The system is designed to handle bacteria, viruses, and spores with a single apparatus, making the added complexity worthwhile by providing comprehensive protection against diverse microbial threats.
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 effectively reduces microbial loads in food and other stored items, extending shelf life while maintaining sensory and nutritional qualities, and can be adapted for various storage conditions, including those without constant electricity access.
Implementation Method 1
A system utilizing ultraviolet radiation sources with adjustable wavelength and intensity settings, managed by a monitoring and control system, to selectively target and destroy or suppress viruses and bacteria in storage areas
Implementation Method 2
UV-C light causes damage to the nucleic acid of microorganisms by forming covalent bonds between certain adjacent bases in the DNA. The formation of these bonds prevents the DNA from being 'unzipped' for replication
Data Source
AI summary
Ultraviolet radiation is directed within an area. The target wavelength ranges and/or target intensity ranges of the ultraviolet radiation sources can correspond to at least one of a plurality of selectable operating configurations including a virus destruction operating configuration and a bacteria disinfection operating configuration. Each configuration can include a unique combination of the target wavelength range and target intensity range.