Rotating UV Projection Head for Faster Surface Disinfection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional UV disinfection devices require multiple arms for surface disinfection, increasing setup time, operational costs, and area downtime, while compromising surface coverage.
Innovation Solution
A directional UV projection device with a mobile body and a projection head that rotates about a horizontal axis, projecting UV light towards surfaces above and lateral to opposing sides, allowing for efficient disinfection without multiple arms.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If multiple arms are used for surface disinfection, then surface coverage is improved, but setup time and device complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a single rotatable arm that can dynamically change its orientation and position to disinfect surfaces on multiple sides of the device. The arm rotates about a horizontal axis and can be positioned at different angles, allowing one arm to perform the function of multiple fixed arms while reducing device complexity and setup time.
2Area of stationary object
If multiple arms are deployed, then surface coverage is enhanced, but operational time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The rotatable arm can continuously move and reposition itself to disinfect different surfaces without requiring the device to be reconfigured or for multiple arms to be sequentially deployed. This continuous action capability reduces operational time while maintaining comprehensive surface coverage.
3Area of stationary object
If UV light is projected in all directions, then surface coverage is improved, but energy efficiency deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a rotatable arm with UV lamps that can be oriented to project UV light directionally towards specific surfaces that need disinfection. This localized UV projection approach ensures energy is concentrated on target surfaces rather than being wasted in all directions, improving energy efficiency while maintaining effective surface coverage.
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 device reduces setup time, operational costs, and enhances surface coverage by enabling targeted disinfection with a compact geometry and autonomous movement.
Implementation Method 1
a source of ultraviolet (UV) light for surface disinfection
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments of the present disclosure provide an apparatus and a method for projecting UV light towards surfaces across a path. The apparatus includes a mobile body and including opposing lateral sides and a sagittal plane passing between them. The apparatus also includes a projection head rotatably mounted to the mobile body. The projection head operates to project UV light directionally towards surfaces located above and proximate to the opposing lateral sides, where the projection head is adapted to rotate about a horizontal axis in the sagittal plane while the UV light is being projected towards the surfaces.