Aircraft Cabin Sanitization Using ROS and Visible Light
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional disinfection procedures in aircraft cabins are time-consuming and difficult to verify, and they may compromise the operating efficiency of aircraft, as they rely on traditional methods that are not always effective in eliminating pathogens from surfaces.
Innovation Solution
A sanitization system that combines reactive oxygen species (ROS) generated by an external ROS generator, such as hydrogen peroxide or ozone, with specific electromagnetic radiation, particularly in the 405 nm wavelength, to create a synergistic effect for rapid disinfection of bacteria and viruses, integrated with an air management system and controlled by a controller to target specific areas within the cabin.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional disinfection procedures are used, then pathogens on surfaces can be eliminated, but the process is time-consuming and reduces aircraft operating efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the physical-chemical parameters of the disinfection process by using reactive oxygen species (ROS) generated through photochemical reactions. The system employs specific wavelength lighting (300-430 nm, particularly 365 nm and 405 nm) to activate ROS precursors like hydrogen peroxide, creating a highly reactive disinfection environment that works rapidly on both surfaces and in airborne particles, reducing disinfection time while maintaining effectiveness
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces conventional mechanical or chemical disinfection methods (wiping, spraying, soaking) with a photochemical field-based approach. The lighting system generates ROS through photolysis of hydrogen peroxide or other precursors, creating a gaseous or aerosolized disinfectant that penetrates surfaces and airborne particles more effectively and rapidly than traditional methods
2Reliability
If conventional disinfection procedures are used, then pathogens can be eliminated, but the effectiveness and quality of treatment are difficult to verify/track
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates sensors and controllers that monitor the disinfection process in real-time. The system tracks lighting intensity, duration, ROS generation levels, and environmental conditions, storing this data for verification. The controller receives feedback from sensors about the disinfection effectiveness and can adjust parameters to ensure adequate pathogen elimination, providing traceable verification of the treatment quality
3Reliability
If strong UV radiation is used for disinfection, then pathogen elimination is effective, but harmful effects on materials and passengers increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent optimizes the wavelength parameters of the lighting system to fall in the 300-430 nm range, with specific emphasis on 365 nm and 405 nm wavelengths. This parameter selection provides sufficient energy for ROS generation and pathogen inactivation while being less harmful to materials and safer for passenger exposure compared to shorter, more energetic UV wavelengths. The system also controls the intensity and duration of exposure to minimize harmful effects
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces hydrogen peroxide or other ROS precursors as intermediary substances that convert light energy into highly reactive oxygen species. This intermediary mechanism allows the system to achieve effective pathogen elimination through ROS attack on microbial cell structures while using longer, safer wavelengths that do not directly damage materials or harm passengers. The ROS act as the active disinfecting agent rather than direct UV exposure
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 system effectively and rapidly disinfects aircraft cabins without the need for harmful chemicals or strong UV radiation, providing long-term material stability and the option for in-flight or overnight use, with variable strength mixes and precise targeting capabilities.
Implementation Method 1
a lighting unit configured to emit visible light
Implementation Method 2
The ROS produced by the external ROS generator is hydrogen peroxide or ozone
Implementation Method 3
The ROS produced by the external ROS generator is hydrogen peroxide or ozone
Implementation Method 4
The ROS may be an aerosolized hydrogen peroxide
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
A sanitization system for an aircraft cabin may comprise: a cabin (51) of an aircraft; a light system including a lighting unit (110) configured to emit an electromagnetic radiation output between 300 and 430 nanometers ("nm"); an external reactive oxygen species (ROS) generator (214) in fluid communication with the cabin, wherein the sanitization system is configured to disinfect a target area of the cabin by targeting the target area with the electromagnetic radiation output and the ROS.