Porous Light-Blocking Structure for UVC Air Purification
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Solution Overview
Problem
There is a need for improved air purification systems that can effectively remove microorganisms, bacteria, and viruses from stagnant air in enclosed environments, such as vehicles and public transportation, while containing ultraviolet (UV) light to prevent harm to humans.
Innovation Solution
An air purification system comprising a UVC light source within a purification chamber, an airflow system to introduce and expel air, and a light blocking system with a high-air-flow open structure to block UV light from escaping, allowing for efficient air purification while maintaining safety.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If a light blocking system is used to contain UVC light within the purification chamber, then UV safety for humans is improved, but air flow resistance increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a porous light-blocking material that allows air to pass through while blocking UVC light transmission. The porous structure provides sufficient airflow paths while the material's optical properties prevent UV radiation from escaping the purification chamber, thus resolving the contradiction between light containment and air flow resistance.
Solution Approach 2:
The light blocking system uses composite materials that combine light-blocking properties with high airflow permeability. This composite structure enables the system to contain UVC light effectively while maintaining low resistance to air flow, allowing the purification system to operate efficiently without compromising safety.
2Productivity
If a high-air-flow open structure is used for light blocking, then air flow efficiency is improved, but light blocking effectiveness may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The high-air-flow open structure utilizes porous materials that maintain open channels for efficient air flow while the material composition and structure prevent UVC light transmission. The porosity allows unrestricted air movement whereas the material properties ensure light blocking, thus achieving both high airflow efficiency and effective light containment.
Solution Approach 2:
The light blocking structure is designed with specific dimensional characteristics where the thickness and pore size are optimized to block light while maintaining airflow. By controlling the dimensional parameters of the porous structure, the system achieves effective light blocking in the optical dimension while preserving air flow paths in the fluid dynamics dimension.
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 purifies air by irradiating it with UVC light, contained within the chamber to prevent UV exposure to humans, and can be remotely controlled to adapt to changing occupancy and air quality conditions, ensuring a safe and healthy environment.
Implementation Method 1
a UVC light source arranged within an internal space of a purification chamber and adapted to irradiate the internal space with UVC
Implementation Method 2
a light blocking system arranged to block a substantial amount of the irradiated UVC from emitting outside of the air purification system
Data Source
AI summary
An air purification system, includes a UVC light source arranged within an internal space of a purification chamber and adapted to irradiate the internal space with UVC, an airflow system arranged to introduce environmental air from outside of the air purification system into the internal space of the purification chamber and expel purified air from the purification chamber back outside of the air purification system, and a light blocking system arranged to block a substantial amount of the irradiated UVC from emitting outside of the air purification system, the light blocking system comprising a high-air-flow open structure mounted in the airflow system of the purification chamber, wherein the open structure comprises a front surface, rear surface and a thickness, wherein the front and rear surfaces have a plurality of open areas connected through the thickness, and wherein at least one of the plurality of open areas is of a size with respect to the thickness to block light from traversing the thickness when an angle of incidence is less than approximately 10 degrees.