Portable UV-C Air Purification System for Airborne Pathogen Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for personal protection against airborne pathogens like COVID-19 are inadequate, as face masks cannot effectively block fine virus particles, and social distancing is limited in confined spaces, with air conditioning systems often serving as vectors for virus spread.
Innovation Solution
A portable air purification and disinfection system using UV-C radiation, HEPA filtration, and carbon dioxide absorption, integrated into a personal device that provides purified air through a mask or ventilator, ensuring all inhaled air is disinfected before reaching the user.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If air conditioning systems are used for ventilation, then air circulation is improved, but virus spread through air conditioning systems deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces UV-C radiation as an intermediary between the air conditioning system and virus particles. The UV-C light sources are positioned within the air circulation path to disinfect airborne viruses before they can be distributed by the air conditioning system. This allows the air conditioning system to maintain its ventilation function while the UV-C intermediary prevents virus transmission.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent supplements mechanical air circulation with electromagnetic radiation disinfection. The UV-C radiation field acts as a non-mechanical disinfection mechanism that works in conjunction with the air mover, destroying viruses in the circulated air without interfering with the air conditioning system's ventilation capability.
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
Effectively destroys harmful airborne pathogens outside the body, providing reliable protection against COVID-19 and other microorganisms, even in confined spaces, by ensuring all inhaled air is purified and disinfected before inhalation.
Implementation Method 1
treating the air source in the housing and into the disinfection chambers; exposing the air source in close proximity to the UV-C light sources for a sufficient time period to disinfect the air source
Implementation Method 2
a filter for removing allergens and microorganisms
Implementation Method 3
a pump; moving the air source through the housing and into the disinfection chambers
Data Source
AI summary
An air purification and disinfection system includes an apparatus having a housing, an ultraviolet disinfection chamber, an air mover, and an air distribution unit in communication with the disinfection chamber. Air is passed through the disinfection chamber where it is purified and disinfected before it is delivered to the user of the apparatus through the air distribution unit. The apparatus can be configured as an open or a closed circuit system. The system may be configured to purify air in an airplane, a conference room, a classroom, or as a portable unit for an individual user. As a portable unit the disinfection chamber can be incorporated into a back pack, a vest, a purse, a briefcase, a shoulder bag, a cervical collar, or any other format for being carried by the user.