Nested-Tube UV-C Purifying Device for Compact Microbial Inactivation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fluid purification devices using UV-C radiation face challenges in achieving high microbial inactivation while being compact, cost-effective, and safe, as they often require longer exposure times which conflict with dimensional and cost constraints, and pose safety risks due to UV-C radiation exposure.
Innovation Solution
A fluid purifying device with a 'matryoshka' configuration of nested tubes that maximizes the fluid path length within a compact design, positioning the UV-C radiation source in the outer tube to ensure maximum exposure time while confining radiation within the device using an inner tube to prevent external exposure.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the fluid path length is increased to maximize UV-C exposure time, then microbial inactivation effectiveness is improved, but device dimensions and manufacturing costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a nested tube configuration where an inner tube is positioned within an outer tube, creating multiple fluid path stretches (first stretch between outer and intermediate tube, second stretch between intermediate and inner tube, third stretch within inner tube). This nesting arrangement maximizes the total fluid path length and UV-C exposure time while maintaining a compact device footprint, directly resolving the contradiction between path length and device dimensions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transforms the fluid path from a simple linear arrangement to a multi-dimensional nested structure. By utilizing radial and axial dimensions through concentric tubes, the system achieves extended fluid path length without proportionally increasing the device's external dimensions, thereby improving microbial inactivation while maintaining compactness.
2Productivity
If UV-C radiation intensity is increased to improve purification speed, then productivity is improved, but safety risks increase due to external radiation exposure
Solution Approach 1:
The nested tube structure creates multiple containment layers that confine UV-C radiation within the device. The UV-C source is positioned within the outer tube, and the concentric arrangement of tubes ensures radiation is contained along the fluid path, preventing external exposure while maintaining high radiation intensity for effective purification.
Solution Approach 2:
The tube walls act as intermediary barriers between the UV-C radiation source and the external environment. These intermediate structures confine the radiation to the fluid path stretches, allowing high-intensity UV-C exposure of the fluid while protecting external objects and people from harmful radiation.
3Reliability
If the fluid path length is extended to maximize exposure time, then microbial inactivation is improved, but manufacturing costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The nested tube configuration achieves extended fluid path length using concentric cylindrical structures that are relatively simple to manufacture. Each tube can be produced using standard manufacturing processes, and their assembly creates the required multi-stretch path without requiring complex custom components, thereby controlling manufacturing costs while maximizing exposure time.
Solution Approach 2:
The fluid path is segmented into multiple stretches (first stretch, second stretch, third stretch) within the nested tubes. This segmentation allows the system to achieve long total path length through modular tube sections that can be manufactured and assembled separately, reducing overall manufacturing complexity and cost compared to creating a single long continuous path.
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 configuration enhances microbial inactivation effectiveness, reduces manufacturing costs, and ensures safety by minimizing external UV-C radiation exposure, achieving a longer fluid path within a compact footprint.
Implementation Method 1
Purification techniques are known in the field, using ultraviolet germicidal irradiation (UVGI), which uses ultraviolet radiation (UV) with wavelengths comprised within the UV-C band (between 100 and 280 nanometers) that modifies the DNA or RNA of microorganisms and therefore prevents them from reproducing or being harmful.
Data Source
AI summary
A fluid purifying device includes inlet and emission openings, an outer tube having a first end on a first side of the device relative to a reference plane, the inlet opening at the first end of the outer tube, an inner tube, within the outer tube and having a second end on a second side of the device, opposite to the first side relative to the reference plane, the emission opening at the second end of the inner tube, an intermediate tube between the outer and inner tubes defining a fluid path between the inlet and emission openings, the fluid path including a first stretch between the outer and intermediate tubes, a second stretch between the intermediate and inner tubes, and a third stretch within the inner tube, and a UV-C radiation source within the outer tube to irradiate the fluid at least along the first stretch.