Semi-Translucent Nozzle with UV-C Light Circuit for Anti-Microbial Sanitization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Retrograde contamination of liquids from microbial growth on nozzle surfaces can occur, even after purification, due to the reintroduction of microorganisms during dispensing, which existing filtration and UV treatment methods fail to address effectively.
Innovation Solution
A liquid treatment system with a nozzle body made of semi-translucent material and a light circuit emitting anti-microbial ultraviolet-C light, which disinfects both the inner and outer surfaces of the nozzle, preventing microbial growth and biofilm formation by maintaining an intensity below 3 mJ/cm2 over an 8-hour period.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If UV radiation is used to neutralize microbial growth in liquid, then microbial contamination is reduced, but nozzle surfaces can still accumulate microorganisms and biofilm that reintroduce contamination during dispensing
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by emitting anti-microbial light toward the inner chamber of the nozzle body before liquid dispensing occurs. This pre-treats the nozzle interior surfaces, preventing microbial growth and biofilm formation that would otherwise occur during storage and handling, thereby eliminating retrograde contamination sources before they can affect the liquid.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses an intermediary approach by introducing a light circuit as a mediator between the liquid treatment system and the nozzle interior. This light circuit emits anti-microbial radiation that penetrates through the semi-translucent nozzle body material, serving as an intermediary mechanism to sanitize surfaces without direct contact with the liquid or requiring manual intervention.
2Reliability
If the nozzle body is made of transparent material to allow light transmission, then anti-microbial light can disinfect the inner chamber, but the structural integrity and durability may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by selecting a semi-translucent material with specific optical properties that balance light transmission and structural strength. The material is chosen to have sufficient transparency to allow anti-microbial light penetration while maintaining adequate mechanical strength and durability for nozzle operation, representing an optimized parameter selection rather than a binary transparent/opaque choice.
3Reliability
If manual cleaning of the nozzle is performed to prevent contamination, then microbial growth is reduced, but chemical exposure and time loss increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements self-service by enabling the nozzle to clean and sanitize itself through the integrated light circuit. The anti-microbial light automatically treats the inner chamber surfaces without requiring manual intervention, eliminating the need for users to perform cleaning operations and thereby removing time loss and chemical exposure associated with manual cleaning procedures.
4Reliability
If the light circuit emits high intensity anti-microbial light to ensure effective disinfection, then microbial growth is prevented, but the light intensity may exceed safe exposure limits at the outer surface
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by directing the anti-microbial light treatment specifically toward the inner chamber where contamination occurs, rather than uniformly exposing the entire nozzle including the outer surface. The light circuit positioning and nozzle geometry ensure that high intensity light reaches the interior surfaces for effective disinfection while the outer surface receives reduced intensity exposure, maintaining safety.
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
Effectively prevents retrograde contamination by ensuring the nozzle surfaces remain sanitized, reducing the need for manual cleaning and minimizing chemical exposure, thereby enhancing the safety and purity of dispensed liquids.
Implementation Method 1
The light circuit includes a light emitting diode configured to emit anti-microbial light including ultraviolet-C light
Implementation Method 2
The anti-microbial light which has passed through the nozzle body to the outer surface of the nozzle body may have an intensity within the anti-microbial light intensity range
Implementation Method 3
The semi-translucent material may have a reflectivity in a range of 80-98%
Implementation Method 4
The semi-translucent material may have a reflectivity in a range of 80-98%
Implementation Method 5
the side wall has a thinned section and the light circuit emits the anti-microbial light toward the inner chamber through the thinned section of the side wall
Data Source
AI summary
A liquid treatment system has a nozzle body comprised of a semi-translucent material. The nozzle body has a side wall and a tip forming an inner chamber and an outer surface. The side wall thickness and tip thickness are a function of an anti-microbial light intensity range of the outer surface of the nozzle body. The liquid treatment system also has a light circuit coupled to the side wall. The light circuit emits an anti-microbial light toward the inner chamber.