Radiation Source Assembly Power Interlock Mechanism

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing fluid treatment systems pose safety risks during lamp servicing due to the potential for ultraviolet radiation exposure when power is not properly disconnected before removal, leading to occupational health hazards.

Innovation Solution

A radiation source assembly configuration that requires power disconnection before removal, featuring a two-step operation with a locking mechanism ensuring the radiation source is secured within the reactor port until the power is disconnected, and a visual indicator to confirm power status, preventing accidental exposure.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If the radiation source assembly allows removal without power disconnection, then ease of operation is improved, but safety deteriorates due to ultraviolet radiation exposure risk

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of removalVSAvoidultraviolet radiation exposure
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary action by automatically disconnecting power to the radiation source before allowing removal of the assembly. The control system detects removal intent and preemptively cuts power, ensuring safety before the actual removal action occurs.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system uses feedback from sensors that detect the position and state of the radiation source assembly to automatically control power disconnection. When the assembly is detected to be in a removable state, the system feedback-controls the power supply to disconnect it.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

2Object-affected harmful factors

If a locking mechanism requiring power disconnection is implemented, then safety is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveultraviolet radiation exposureVSAvoidassembly complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the power disconnection function with the mechanical removal mechanism into a single integrated system. The control system combines electrical power control with mechanical sensing, eliminating the need for separate locking mechanisms while achieving the same safety outcome.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The system performs self-service by automatically detecting when the radiation source assembly is being removed and autonomously disconnecting power without requiring manual intervention. The sensors and control system work together to automatically ensure safety.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

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

Enhances safety by ensuring power is disconnected before servicing, reducing the risk of ultraviolet radiation exposure and preventing catastrophic incidents during maintenance.

Implementation Method 1

it is know those lamps emit large amounts of ultraviolet radiation which is harmful to humans

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectUltraviolet radiation emission: Luminescence

Implementation Method 2

a visual indicator to confirm power status, preventing accidental exposure

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectVisual indication: Light

Data Source

PatentEP2614300B1Radiation source assembly
Publication Date: 2016.12.28 TROJAN TECH INC
  • EP2614300B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2614300B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2614300B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

There is described a radiation source assembly comprising an elongate radiation source; a reactor port for receiving and reversibly securing the elongate radiation source; a top plug element for reversible connection to a proximal end of the radiation source and reversible engagement with the reactor port; the top plug element configured to be disengaged from reactor port without disengagement of the elongate radiation source from the reactor port.