Ultrasonic Nebulizer UV Water Purification
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current water purification methods, such as reverse osmosis and chemical disinfection, face challenges in effectively removing microorganisms and balancing energy efficiency with UV exposure, while existing UV devices are limited in treating liquid water streams and have high power consumption.
Innovation Solution
A water purification device featuring a tube with a baffle and flow interrupter cup, combined with an ultrasonic nebulizer and UV lamp, which converts liquid water into mist and vapor, increasing the path length and dwell time of microorganisms within the UV field for enhanced disinfection without increasing power consumption.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the flow rate of liquid water stream is slowed to increase dwell time in UV field, then microorganism disinfection is improved, but device output is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The invention changes the physical state parameter of water from liquid to aerosol/mist form. This phase change increases the surface area and path length of water through the UV field, thereby increasing dwell time and disinfection efficacy without requiring to slow the flow rate, thus maintaining device output.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention transitions water from a one-dimensional liquid stream to a multi-dimensional aerosol cloud. This dimensional change allows water droplets to spread out and increase their path length through the UV field, enhancing exposure time without reducing flow rate or device output.
2Reliability
If UV irradiance is increased by adding more UV sources or using higher-power sources, then microorganism disinfection is improved, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention changes the physical state of water from liquid to aerosol, which increases the effective path length and surface area exposed to UV light. This parameter change enhances disinfection efficacy without requiring additional or higher-power UV sources, thereby reducing power consumption.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention utilizes phase transition of water from liquid to aerosol/mist form to increase the effective interaction length with UV light. This phase change naturally enhances disinfection without requiring additional energy input for UV sources.
3Reliability
If UV path length is increased by spreading UV sources over longer length, then microorganism disinfection is improved, but device complexity and power consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The invention changes water from liquid to aerosol state, which naturally extends the path length through the UV field without requiring additional UV sources or complex device structures. This parameter change achieves enhanced disinfection while maintaining device simplicity.
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 device efficiently sanitizes water by prolonging the exposure of microorganisms to UV light, improving disinfection efficacy while maintaining energy efficiency and being suitable for off-grid applications.
Implementation Method 1
an ultrasonic nebulizer disposed downstream of the major opening of the flow interrupter cup
Implementation Method 2
an ultraviolet lamp oriented to direct ultraviolet light into the lumen
Implementation Method 3
it is also known to increase path length of the UV field by spreading UV sources over a longer length
Data Source
AI summary
A water purification device utilizing ultraviolet lights and a nebulizer is provided. The device includes a tube that receives bacteria laden water at an intake end. The tube includes one or more baffles for causing turbulent flow of the water, and one or more ultrasonic nebulizers for converting the water stream into a mist. The device further includes one or more sources of germicidal ultraviolet light which may be located either inside or outside of the tube.