Porous UV Lamp Module Layout for Uniform Air Sterilization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing UV sterilization modules in air conditioners face inefficiencies in space usage and air sterilization uniformity due to large UV lamps, leading to incomplete sterilization of air along heat exchanger surfaces.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating a UV sterilization module with a porous main body and multiple UV lamps arranged in parallel, where the UV lamps are spaced to optimize air flow and sterilization efficiency, and using a photocatalyst coating to minimize odor attachment and enhance sterilization effectiveness.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If a single large UV lamp is used, then the sterilization coverage area is increased, but the space efficiency and air channel uniformity deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides a single large UV lamp into multiple smaller UV lamps arranged in parallel. This segmentation allows the sterilization coverage to be maintained or improved while reducing the volume occupied by each individual lamp, thereby improving space efficiency and allowing better air channel distribution around each lamp.
2Area of stationary object
If a single large UV lamp is used, then the sterilization coverage area is increased, but the air sterilization uniformity deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the UV light source into multiple smaller lamps arranged in parallel, the patent creates more uniform distribution of UV radiation across the air channel. Each smaller lamp creates a more focused and uniform sterilization zone, and their parallel arrangement ensures even coverage across the entire cross-section of the air flow.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies different spatial arrangements of UV lamps to different regions of the air channel. By positioning multiple UV lamps at specific intervals and orientations, each region of the air flow receives optimized UV exposure, ensuring uniform sterilization quality across the entire coverage area.
3Productivity
If multiple UV lamps are arranged in parallel, then the sterilization efficiency is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple UV lamps into a single integrated module that functions as one unified sterilization unit. This merging approach maintains the enhanced sterilization efficiency of multiple lamps while simplifying installation, maintenance, and control by treating them as a single assembly rather than separate components.
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 solution achieves improved sterilization efficiency and space utilization by ensuring uniform air sterilization across the heat exchanger surface, with enhanced power density and reduced power consumption compared to single large UV lamp systems.
Implementation Method 1
a plurality of ultraviolet (UV) lamps 764 arranged to be spaced from each other on the porous main body 762, to sterilize air passing through the porous main body
Implementation Method 2
using a photocatalyst coating to minimize odor attachment and enhance sterilization effectiveness
Data Source
AI summary
An ultraviolet (UV) sterilization module and an air conditioner including a UV sterilization module are provided. The UV sterilization module may include a porous main body; a plurality of UV lamps having external electrodes; a plurality of conductive holders connected to the external electrodes and that supports the plurality of UV lamps to be spaced from the porous main body; and at least one bus bar connected to the plurality of conductive holders and provided between the plurality of conductive holders and the porous main body.