Portable UV Air Sterilization Box With Serpentine Flow Path
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing systems for disinfecting pathogens in indoor settings, such as those using UV irradiation, are not portable enough to effectively address the need for easy and efficient disinfection in various environments.
Innovation Solution
A portable disinfecting unit that includes a sterilization box with a fan assembly and UV LED chips, which draws room air through a non-linear path for extended exposure to UV radiation, ensuring complete disinfection and circulation of sanitized air, and is equipped with a safety switch and antimicrobial coatings to prevent accidental exposure.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a fixed sterilizing light fixture is used, then pathogen sterilization effectiveness is improved, but portability and adaptability to different environments deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The sterilization system is divided into separate functional modules: UV LED sterilization module, fan assembly for air circulation, and portable housing. This segmentation allows the system to be easily transported and deployed in different locations while maintaining sterilization effectiveness through standardized modular components.
Solution Approach 2:
The system transitions from a static fixed installation to a dynamic portable unit with movable components. The portable design includes removable panels and reconfigurable internal structures that allow the unit to be easily assembled, disassembled, and repositioned while maintaining its sterilization function through active air circulation controlled by the fan assembly.
2Reliability
If UV irradiation time is extended for complete disinfection, then pathogen deactivation effectiveness is improved, but device complexity and exposure risk increase
Solution Approach 1:
The fan assembly continuously circulates air through the UV irradiation chamber, ensuring that air molecules are repeatedly exposed to UV radiation over an extended period. This continuous circulation achieves complete disinfection without requiring the system to be complex or difficult to control, as the repeated exposure naturally accumulates sufficient UV dose.
Solution Approach 2:
The fan assembly acts as an intermediary that mediates between the UV radiation source and the air to be disinfected. By actively circulating air through the irradiation path, the fan ensures prolonged exposure without requiring complex timing mechanisms or high-intensity UV sources that would increase system complexity and safety risks.
3Ease of operation
If portable design is implemented, then ease of operation and deployment are improved, but sterilization effectiveness may deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The portable design compensates for potential reductions in sterilization effectiveness by optimizing key parameters: the fan assembly increases air flow velocity and circulation rate, while the UV LED arrangement ensures adequate irradiation intensity. These parameter adjustments maintain disinfection effectiveness despite the reduced size and portability of the unit.
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 portable unit provides effective disinfection of pathogens by ensuring prolonged exposure to UV radiation, enhancing air circulation, and ensuring safety through the use of a safety switch and antimicrobial coatings, thus addressing the need for a more portable and efficient disinfection solution.
Implementation Method 1
various systems that use ultraviolet (UV) irradiation to disinfect/deactivate pathogens
Implementation Method 2
UV LED chips, which draws room air through a non-linear path for extended exposure to UV radiation
Implementation Method 3
a fan assembly and UV LED chips, which draws room air through a non-linear path for extended exposure to UV radiation
Data Source
AI summary
A portable disinfecting apparatus with effective disinfection properties against pathogens, such as bacteria, fungi, and viruses is disclosed. Embodiments of the portable disinfecting apparatus include a portable sterilization box having at least one path configured to receive drawn air and to irradiate the drawn air with UV radiation along the path to produce disinfected air. The path may be provided using baffles that are configured, for example, in a serpentine or spiral configuration to provide a non-linear flow path for the air. The UV light sources, such as UV LEDs may be mounted on the baffles. Embodiments of the apparatus include an intake tube connected to the sterilization box for drawing air into the sterilization box from a point high within the room that is to be disinfected. The disinfected air is released from the sterilization box a point lower in the room. As the air is slightly heated during the disinfection process, drawing in air from high in the room and releasing the disinfected air lower in the room provides circulation and mixing of the disinfected air.