Quick-Connect Lighting Fixture With Selective UV Disinfection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing UV disinfection technologies are inefficient for germicidal action and can be harmful to humans, requiring high voltage power supplies that pose safety risks.
Innovation Solution
Integration of UVA and/or FAR UVC radiation-emitting LEDs in electrical connectors and fixtures, with selective activation controlled by sensors and antennas, allowing safe disinfection of air and surfaces without human exposure.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional UV disinfection systems are used, then disinfection effectiveness is achieved, but energy is wasted on ineffective wavelengths and safety risks increase due to high voltage requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the wavelength parameters of UV emitters from traditional broad-spectrum UV to specific UV-A (315-400nm) and FAR UVC (207-222nm) ranges. This parameter optimization ensures energy is concentrated on effective disinfection wavelengths while avoiding ineffective ranges, directly resolving the energy waste problem while maintaining disinfection effectiveness
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces high voltage mechanical/electrical systems with low-voltage LED-based UV emitters. This substitution eliminates the need for high voltage power supplies and ballasts, reducing safety risks while maintaining disinfection capability through electroluminescence in LEDs
2Reliability
If traditional UV-C disinfection is used, then pathogen destruction is effective, but human safety is compromised due to harmful effects on exposed individuals
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the UV wavelength parameters from traditional UV-C (254nm) to FAR UVC (207-222nm) and UV-A (315-400nm) ranges. Research indicates FAR UVC can be safely used in occupied spaces as it is absorbed by the outer layer of human skin and does not penetrate to living cells, while maintaining effective pathogen destruction capability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamic control of UV emitter activation based on occupancy detection. Sensors detect whether spaces are occupied and automatically adjust UV emitter operation accordingly, enabling safe disinfection in occupied spaces by activating only when safe wavelengths are appropriate
3Reliability
If fixed UV disinfection systems are installed, then disinfection coverage is ensured, but adaptability to different spaces and maintenance difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the UV disinfection system into modular components that can be independently installed and configured in different spaces. The system can be divided into separate UV emitter modules, control modules, and sensor modules that can be adapted to various ceiling fixtures and room configurations, providing both coverage and adaptability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent designs universal mounting mechanisms and control systems that can accommodate different fixture types and space configurations. The quick connect device and standardized mounting interfaces allow the same disinfection technology to be deployed across diverse ceiling fixtures and architectural styles
4Reliability
If permanent UV emitter installation is used, then disinfection reliability is maintained, but maintenance complexity and retrofitting difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments UV emitter assemblies into removable modules that can be easily detached and replaced without affecting the entire fixture. This modular design allows individual emitter replacement when failed, simplifying maintenance while maintaining system reliability through easy component swapping
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamic, removable mounting mechanisms for UV emitters that transition from a fixed state during operation to an easily removable state during maintenance. Quick-release connectors and adjustable mounting brackets enable rapid installation and removal of emitter modules
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
Provides effective disinfection with UV wavelengths safe for humans, ensuring efficient pathogen destruction without safety hazards.
Implementation Method 1
a plurality of emitters emitting UVA and/or FAR UVC radiation. The plurality of emitters can include an array of LEDs that emits UVA radiation
Implementation Method 2
a plurality of emitters emitting UVA and/or FAR UVC radiation
Data Source
AI summary
Electrical connectors and fixtures, and more particularly, electrical plug and socket combinations allowing quick connection and mounting of electrical fixtures are provided with a disinfection feature for disinfecting air and/or surfaces. Additionally, lighting fixtures include or are retrofitted to provide both lighting and disinfection functions. The disinfection feature can be provided by any suitable source of UV radiation, such as an LED array. The emitted UV radiation is UV-A or FAR UV-C so that disinfection can occur regardless of whether a human is exposed to the emitted UV radiation or the emitted UV radiation is UV-C so that disinfection should only occur if there is no human exposure to the emitted UV radiation. Some electrical connectors and fixture can provide both types of emitted UV radiation, which are selectively actuatable.