Pulsed UV Disinfection System with Articulated Head
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing pulsed xenon UV disinfection systems suffer from low pulse frequency, high energy per pulse, leading to longer disinfection times, noise, ozone generation, and increased energy consumption, as well as inefficient energy use and the need for additional filtration systems.
Innovation Solution
A mobile pulsed xenon UV disinfection unit with an articulated lamp assembly, high voltage power supply, and pulse configuration control unit, capable of emitting UV pulses with predetermined energy and frequency, allowing for targeted surface disinfection with lower energy consumption and reduced ozone production, and integrated with remote control and video imaging for precise UV delivery.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If high UV energy per pulse is employed, then disinfection capability is improved, but noise level increases and ozone generation becomes unsafe
Solution Approach 1:
The system employs periodic pulsed UV radiation at controlled frequencies (1-2 Hz) to achieve effective disinfection while managing noise and ozone generation. The pulsed nature allows energy delivery in controlled intervals rather than continuous exposure
Solution Approach 2:
The system adjusts key parameters including pulse frequency (1-2 Hz), energy per pulse (500+ joules), and pulse width to optimize the balance between disinfection effectiveness and harmful side effects. These parameter changes enable controlled energy delivery that maintains efficacy while reducing noise and ozone
2Reliability
If 360-degree all around UV light geometry is employed, then entire room disinfection is achieved, but energy is wasted on non-target surfaces
Solution Approach 1:
The system transitions from uniform 360-degree UV distribution to localized targeted irradiation of specific surfaces. By concentrating UV energy only on contaminated target areas rather than distributing it uniformly throughout the room, the system achieves effective disinfection with significantly reduced energy consumption
Solution Approach 2:
The disinfection process is segmented into targeted zones rather than treating the entire room uniformly. The system identifies and treats specific contaminated surfaces separately, allowing energy to be focused where needed rather than wasted on already clean or non-critical surfaces
3Power
If high discharge energy per pulse is used, then UV output is sufficient, but additional filtration and power consuming auxiliary components are required
Solution Approach 1:
The system maintains continuous pulsed UV output without interruption for filtration cycles. By optimizing the pulsed delivery to achieve effective disinfection with lower peak energies, the system eliminates the need for additional filtration components and auxiliary power-consuming equipment
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 achieves rapid, energy-efficient targeted surface disinfection with reduced noise and ozone production, requiring less time and energy while maintaining high disinfection efficacy, as demonstrated by experimental results showing efficient inactivation of pathogens like MRSA and B. Subtilis.
Implementation Method 1
UV radiation has been employed for disinfection and decontamination of surfaces, air, and liquids. The UV-C region of the UV spectrum has been found to be the most lethal to microorganisms; the strongest germicidal effects have been reported to be in the wave-length from 200 nm to 280 nm.
Implementation Method 2
pulsed xenon UV systems have the capability of discharging several megawatts of UV energy in micro-seconds or milliseconds, causing irreversible changes in the cellular level in the microorganisms exposed
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments of a targeted surface disinfection system are disclosed. The system includes a set of one or more UV lamps, a high voltage power supply for driving the lamps, a mobile carriage including a chassis supporting the set, an articulated head assembly including at least one UV lamp from the set, a vacuum pump, and a suction hose extending between the vacuum pump and the head assembly for dissipating heat generated by the at least one UV lamp. The system also includes a pulse configuration control unit for configuring an output of the high voltage power supply for driving the set to emit a UV radiant energy upon a target surface requiring disinfection, where the set of one or more UV lamps emits the UV radiant energy at a rate of at least 20 pulses per second.