Ring-Shaped FAR-UVC Emitter for Continuous Human-Safe Sanitization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current cabin sanitization methods in aircraft are inadequate as they either fail to protect against airborne pathogens or pose risks to electronic components, and conventional UV-C sanitization technologies are hazardous to humans and ineffective in maintaining a sanitized environment beyond initial passenger boarding.
Innovation Solution
The development of a FAR-UVC emitter system that emits a 222 nm wavelength of ultraviolet light, safe for human exposure, which can be integrated into standard lighting fixtures to continuously sanitize enclosed spaces, including aircraft, without damaging organic tissues or causing corrosion to electronic components.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If standard germicidal wavelength (254 nm) UV-C equipment is used for sanitization, then sanitization effectiveness is improved, but human safety deteriorates due to skin and eye damage risks
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the wavelength parameter of UV light from conventional 254 nm UV-C to 222 nm FAR-UVC. This parameter change maintains the germicidal effectiveness while eliminating the harmful effects on human skin and eyes, as the 222 nm wavelength is absorbed by the stratum corneum and cannot penetrate deeper into living tissue.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent converts the previously harmful property of UV-C light (ability to damage organic tissue) into a beneficial feature by selecting a specific wavelength (222 nm) where the same mechanism that kills pathogens (DNA/RNA damage) simultaneously protects humans by being absorbed by the outer dead layer of skin, preventing penetration to living cells.
2Reliability
If fogging and misting solutions are used for disinfection, then sanitization coverage is improved, but electronic component safety deteriorates due to corrosion of fan-cooled electronics
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical fogging/misting system with a light-based FAR-UVC system. Instead of using liquid disinfectants that require ventilation systems and can corrode electronics, the invention uses 222 nm ultraviolet light that can be delivered directly without liquid carriers, eliminating the corrosion problem entirely.
3Reliability
If conventional UV-C sanitization is used, then initial sanitization effectiveness is improved, but continuous sanitization capability deteriorates because it can only be used prior to passenger boarding
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the wavelength parameter to 222 nm FAR-UVC, which enables continuous operation in occupied spaces. Unlike conventional UV-C that must be turned off during occupancy, the 222 nm wavelength's unique property of being absorbed by the stratum corneum allows it to safely operate continuously, providing both pre-boarding and in-flight sanitization capabilities.
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 FAR-UVC emitter system effectively kills 99.9% of airborne viruses, including COVID-19, without posing health risks to humans, and can be used continuously in occupied spaces, providing long-term sanitization without the need for frequent re-sanitization.
Implementation Method 1
a FAR-UVC emitter configured to emit a 222 nm wavelength of ultraviolet light
Implementation Method 2
UV light has the ability to kill bacteria, and viruses like the common Flu and COVID-19
Data Source
AI summary
A light and sanitization system disclosed herein includes a housing, a ring shaped FAR-UVC emitter configured in the housing, a second light source disposed in the housing and located such that light from the second light source passes through a center of the ring shaped FAR-UVC emitter, and a power source for driving emission of UVC light from the ring shaped FAR-UVC emitter.