Removable Auxiliary Germicidal Light Module for Independent Maintenance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing light fixtures that combine visible and germicidal lighting require simultaneous replacement of both light engines due to differing service lives, leading to unnecessary costs and maintenance when only the germicidal light engine has reached its end of life.
Innovation Solution
The design allows for the auxiliary germicidal light engine to be replaced independently of the visible light engine, with a dosing circuit module controlling the germicidal light emission and a status indicator for service life, enabling the visible light engine to reach its full service life before replacement, and allowing for field maintenance of the light fixture.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the light fixture combines visible and germicidal light engines in a single integrated unit, then the fixture provides both illumination and disinfection functions, but both light engines must be replaced simultaneously when one reaches end of life, increasing maintenance costs and time
Solution Approach 1:
The light fixture is divided into separate replaceable modules: a visible light engine module and a germicidal light engine module. Each module can be independently removed and replaced, allowing the germicidal module to be replaced without replacing the visible light module, thus reducing maintenance complexity while maintaining dual function capability
Solution Approach 2:
The germicidal light engine is extracted as a separate removable module from the integrated fixture. This extraction allows the germicidal component to be replaced independently when it reaches end of life, while the visible light engine continues to operate, thereby reducing maintenance costs and time
2Reliability
If the germicidal light engine is installed permanently in the fixture, then continuous disinfection is provided, but the fixture cannot be easily maintained or upgraded in the field
Solution Approach 1:
The germicidal light engine module is designed with dynamic replaceability - it can be easily inserted and removed from the fixture housing without specialized tools or complex procedures. This dynamic design enables field maintenance and upgrades while maintaining continuous disinfection operation when the module is installed
Solution Approach 2:
The germicidal light engine is extracted as a removable module that can be taken out for replacement or upgrade in the field. This extraction capability allows maintenance personnel to replace the germicidal module without removing the entire fixture from the ceiling, thus maintaining reliability while enabling field maintenance
3Adaptability or versatility
If the visible light engine and germicidal light engine have different service lives, then each engine can be optimized for its specific function, but the fixture must be replaced entirely when the shorter-lived engine fails, wasting resources
Solution Approach 1:
The lighting system is segmented into separately replaceable modules with different service life characteristics. The germicidal light engine module can be replaced independently when it reaches end of life, allowing the visible light engine to continue operating and be replaced only when needed, thus optimizing resource utilization while maintaining functional versatility
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 solution extends the operational life of the visible light engine while ensuring continuous germicidal disinfection, reducing maintenance costs and time by allowing for simple replacement of the germicidal light engine without removing the entire fixture from the ceiling.
Implementation Method 1
an auxiliary light module coupled to the insert housing and including an auxiliary light engine for emitting germicidal light effective in deactivating pathogens
Implementation Method 2
a visible light engine coupled to a bottom portion of the insert housing for emitting visible light for general illumination
Data Source
AI summary
A light fixture includes a housing defining a channel and an insert lighting module. The insert lighting module includes an insert housing, a visible light engine coupled to a bottom portion of the insert housing for emitting visible light for general illumination, and an auxiliary light module coupled to the insert housing and including an auxiliary light engine for emitting germicidal light effective in deactivating pathogens. A top portion of the insert lighting module may be positioned within the channel and the insert lighting module may be coupled to the housing. The auxiliary light module may be uncoupled and removed from the insert housing by performing the steps of: uncoupling the insert lighting module from the housing and removing the insert lighting module from the channel, and uncoupling the auxiliary light module from the insert housing and removing the auxiliary module from the top portion of the insert housing.