Pulsed UV Disinfection Apparatus High-Frequency Triggering
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional area/room disinfection devices using pulsed UV light are limited by the need for high power per pulse to ensure sufficient UVC dose over long distances, which restricts pulse frequency and device portability, and poses safety concerns regarding visible light exposure.
Innovation Solution
The development of a disinfection apparatus that uses a germicidal pulsed light source with a trigger voltage circuitry to apply a trigger voltage at a frequency greater than 3 Hz, allowing for pulses of ultraviolet light at frequencies greater than 20 Hz with lower power flux, and includes features such as a remote user interface, automatic movement, and visible light compensation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If high power per pulse is used to ensure sufficient UVC dose over long distances, then germicidal efficacy is improved, but pulse frequency is restricted and device portability is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the parameters of the pulsed light source by operating at higher pulse frequencies (greater than 3 Hz, preferably greater than 10 Hz) while maintaining lower power flux per pulse. This parameter change allows the system to achieve sufficient cumulative UVC dose through increased frequency rather than higher individual pulse power, thereby resolving the contradiction between efficacy and productivity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements continuous or near-continuous useful action by using high pulse frequencies that maintain steady-state operation. The pulsed light source operates continuously with pulses occurring more than 3 times per second, ensuring continuous germicidal action without the interruptions associated with lower frequency operation, thus maintaining efficacy while improving productivity.
2Reliability
If high power per pulse is used to ensure sufficient UVC dose over long distances, then germicidal efficacy is improved, but device portability is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent reduces the power flux per pulse while compensating through increased pulse frequency. This parameter change allows the use of smaller, lighter pulsed light sources that do not require high power delivery capabilities, thereby improving device portability while maintaining germicidal efficacy through cumulative dose accumulation.
3Reliability
If high power per pulse is used to ensure sufficient UVC dose over long distances, then germicidal efficacy is improved, but safety concerns regarding visible light exposure increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent operates the pulsed light source at lower power flux per pulse while maintaining high frequency. This parameter change reduces the intensity of visible light emitted during each pulse, thereby reducing safety concerns related to eye and skin exposure from visible light, while the cumulative effect of high-frequency pulsing maintains sufficient UVC dose for efficacy.
4Use of energy by moving object
If low pulse frequency is used to maximize UVC dose generation, then UVC dose is improved, but device complexity and size are increased
Solution Approach 1:
The patent inverts the conventional approach by using high pulse frequency rather than low frequency to generate UVC dose. This parameter change allows the use of smaller, less complex pulsed light sources that can operate at higher frequencies without requiring the large power supplies and complex cooling systems associated with high-power, low-frequency operation.
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
This approach enhances the efficiency and efficacy of area/room disinfection by achieving sufficient germicidal efficacy with lower power flux, allowing for more portable and safer devices that can effectively disinfect larger areas.
Implementation Method 1
Pulsed light sources are used in a variety of applications to generate recurrent pulses of ultraviolet (UV) light
Implementation Method 2
pulsed UV light has been shown to deactivate and, in some cases, kill microorganisms on objects and surfaces in a room/area
Implementation Method 3
trigger voltage circuitry for applying a trigger voltage to the germicidal pulsed light source at a set frequency greater than approximately 3 Hz
Implementation Method 4
the UV light may penetrate into crevices or pores of a food's surface
Implementation Method 5
measuring quantum yield or the number of germicidal actions taking place per incident photon arriving on a microorganism
Data Source
AI summary
Room and/or area disinfection apparatuses are provided which generate pulses of germicidal light at a frequency greater than 3 Hz and project the pulses of light exterior to the disinfection apparatuses. In some cases, the apparatus includes processor executable program instructions for receiving data regarding characteristics of a space in which the disinfection apparatus is to be operated. In addition or alternatively, the apparatus may include a remote user interface to affect operation of the disinfection apparatus. In other cases, the apparatus may additionally or alternatively include a means for automatically moving the disinfection apparatus. In yet other additional or alternative cases, the disinfection apparatus may be void of an opaque component 360° around an elongated portion of the germicidal pulsed light source such that light emitted from the germicidal pulsed light source encircles the disinfection apparatus.