Scalable Airborne Pathogen Removal System Using UV Baffles
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing UV air treatment systems are not scalable, unable to control airflow, and are limited in their application to small areas, making them ineffective for irradiating airborne and surface pathogens in various sized spaces.
Innovation Solution
A scalable airborne pathogen removal system that includes a housing with an inlet for receiving air, a supplemental inlet for additional air, and an outlet for communicating treated air, featuring baffles and ultraviolet light within a treatment chamber, along with an air motivator to facilitate airflow and UV germicidal irradiation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If recirculation units are used for UV air treatment, then the device can be installed in small areas, but the treatment area is limited and scalability is poor
Solution Approach 1:
The system is divided into modular components: a housing with treatment chamber, air motivator, UV lamp assembly, and baffle system. These modules can be replicated and combined to treat multiple airspaces simultaneously, enabling scalability from small to large areas while maintaining installation flexibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The housing structure serves multiple functions: it contains the treatment chamber, supports the UV lamp assembly, incorporates the air motivator, and includes baffles for airflow control. This multi-functionality allows a single unit to handle both small and large airspaces, improving adaptability across different scales.
2Area of stationary object
If upper-room or barrier systems are used, then UV irradiation can be provided for larger areas, but airflow control and direction capability is lost
Solution Approach 1:
Baffles are introduced as intermediary elements within the treatment chamber to control and direct airflow patterns. These baffles guide air through the UV irradiation zone, ensuring effective pathogen treatment while maintaining customizable airflow directions for different airspace configurations.
Solution Approach 2:
The air motivator provides dynamic airflow control, adjusting air movement patterns to match different airspace requirements. The system can adapt airflow volume and direction dynamically, allowing the same unit to effectively treat various sized areas while maintaining precise airflow management.
3Reliability
If existing UV systems are used, then pathogen irradiation is provided, but the systems cannot be scaled to accommodate different sized airspaces
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses modular housing units that can be deployed individually for small airspaces or combined in arrays for larger areas. Each module maintains reliable pathogen removal performance, and the modular architecture enables straightforward scaling to accommodate any airspace size while preserving treatment effectiveness.
Solution Approach 2:
The system allows adjustment of operational parameters including air motivator speed, UV lamp intensity, and baffle positioning to optimize treatment effectiveness for different airspace volumes. This parameter flexibility ensures reliable pathogen removal whether treating a small room or a large hall, enabling scalability without sacrificing reliability.
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 system effectively removes pathogens from airspaces of varying sizes by using UV light and controlled airflow, providing a flexible and efficient solution for pathogen removal across different environments.
Implementation Method 1
An ultraviolet light may be disposed within the treatment chamber
Implementation Method 2
An air motivator may be positioned between the treatment chamber and the airspace outlet at the downstream end of the housing which may be configured to pull air from the airspace inlet and supplemental inlet through the treatment chamber
Data Source
AI summary
In some embodiments, a scalable airborne pathogen removal system may comprise a housing having an airspace inlet which may be configured to receive air; a supplemental inlet located proximate to the airspace inlet configured to receive supplemental air; and an airspace outlet configured to communicate air from the housing into the airspace. The housing may include a treatment chamber in fluid communication with the airspace inlet, supplemental inlet, and airspace outlet. A first baffle may be positioned within the housing between the airspace inlet and the treatment chamber. Supplemental air from the supplemental inlet may be communicated into the treatment chamber through the first baffle. An ultraviolet light may be disposed within the treatment chamber. An air motivator may be positioned between the treatment chamber and the airspace outlet which may be configured to pull air from the airspace inlet and supplemental inlet through the treatment chamber.