Networked UV Pathogen Reduction for Multi-Room Airflow Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional UV disinfection products are inefficient and ineffective in large-scale environments due to their inability to communicate and respond systematically to sensor data, lacking the ability to dynamically treat pathogen risks across multiple rooms or areas.
Innovation Solution
A dynamic treatment system that integrates UV energy with building management systems, utilizing a multi-level control structure to coordinate pathogen reduction devices and sensors, adjusting performance based on local and global data to enhance pathogen mitigation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional UV disinfection products are used as stand-alone solutions, then device simplicity is maintained, but pathogen reduction effectiveness in large-scale environments deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple UV disinfection devices into a networked system that communicates with building management systems and sensors. The system merges device-level control with local and global control systems to coordinate pathogen reduction across multiple rooms, transforming standalone devices into an integrated networked solution that achieves effective large-scale disinfection.
Solution Approach 2:
The UV disinfection system is designed to perform multiple functions: it operates as individual devices for local disinfection, communicates sensor data to building management systems, receives coordinated control commands, and dynamically adjusts operation based on both local conditions and global environmental factors. This multi-functionality enables the system to effectively reduce pathogens in large-scale environments while maintaining operational flexibility.
2Adaptability or versatility
If UV disinfection devices operate independently without communication, then system complexity is reduced, but adaptability to dynamic pathogen risks deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements dynamic operation where UV disinfection devices continuously adjust their treatment levels based on real-time sensor data and control commands. The multi-level control structure enables devices to transition between different operational states (device-level, local-level, global-level control) depending on pathogen risk conditions, occupancy patterns, and environmental factors, providing adaptable response to changing disinfection needs.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent incorporates feedback mechanisms where sensors monitor environmental conditions (occupancy, air quality, pathogen presence) and communicate this data to UV disinfection devices through building management systems. The devices receive feedback commands that dynamically adjust their operation based on actual conditions, enabling adaptive pathogen reduction that responds to real-time changes in the environment rather than operating on fixed schedules.
3Productivity
If multi-level control systems are implemented to coordinate devices, then pathogen reduction efficiency is improved, but device complexity and energy consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The multi-level control system implements local quality by enabling UV disinfection devices to operate at different control levels (device-level, local-level, global-level) based on specific environmental conditions and pathogen risks. Rather than all devices operating at maximum coordination, the system dynamically adjusts the control level for each device, consuming more energy and communication resources only when and where needed to achieve effective pathogen reduction.
Solution Approach 2:
The system applies partial coordination through the multi-level control structure, where full system-wide coordination is implemented only when pathogen risks warrant it. During low-risk periods, devices operate with reduced coordination (device-level control only), consuming less energy. The control system dynamically scales the level of coordination and energy consumption to match the actual disinfection needs, avoiding excessive energy use while maintaining adequate pathogen reduction efficiency.
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 system effectively reduces pathogens by dynamically adjusting UV treatment levels and airflow to target high-risk areas, improving pathogen reduction efficiency and safety in confined spaces.
Implementation Method 1
A dynamic treatment system dynamically treats an environment with UV energy to reduce pathogens within the environment
Data Source
AI summary
A dynamic treatment system incorporates multiple pathogen reduction devices and sensors for enhanced pathogen reduction. The system can provide coordinated multi-level control to provide automated engineered control of pathogen reduction that is suitable for use in confined spaces, such as building and vehicle systems. Room level occupancy tracking provides biological load level estimates while pressure level sensing provides pathogen travel path estimation through the building. Combining this pathogen load information and airflow path information the system can drive room level and building level pathogen reduction device adjustments to enhance pathogen reduction based on expected pathogen travel. Zone level pathogen interception, height adjustable portable treatment devices, along with various application specific pathogen reduction devices can be integrated into the dynamic treatment system.