Spherical Sterilization Device with Angled UV Light Source
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing fluid sterilization apparatuses using ultraviolet light are not effective in uniformly irradiating fluids, leading to inadequate sterilization.
Innovation Solution
A sterilization apparatus with a spherical storage part and strategically positioned supply and outlet ports, along with a light source angled between 75° to 105° relative to the line connecting the centers of gravity of the storage part and outlet port, ensures uniform irradiation of the fluid with ultraviolet light.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a tapered channel structure is used to increase sterilization effectiveness, then the fluid can be evenly irradiated with ultraviolet light, but the device complexity increases and the structure becomes less compact
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a spherical storage part instead of a tapered channel structure. The spherical geometry provides a compact form factor while the strategic positioning of supply and outlet ports creates effective fluid circulation paths. This curved surface design allows ultraviolet light to reach all areas of the fluid more effectively compared to flat or tapered structures, resolving the contradiction between sterilization effectiveness and structural simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from a one-dimensional tapered channel approach to a three-dimensional spherical storage part. By positioning the light source at a specific angle (75° to 105°) relative to the line connecting the centers of gravity of the storage part and outlet port, the system achieves uniform irradiation in multiple dimensions. This spatial arrangement allows the ultraviolet light to penetrate and reach all areas of the fluid effectively without requiring complex tapered structures.
2Area of stationary object
If the light source is positioned to irradiate far locations from the light source, then the sterilization coverage increases, but the light intensity at those locations decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by strategically positioning the light source at a specific angle (75° to 105°) relative to the line connecting the centers of gravity of the storage part and outlet port. This positioning ensures that ultraviolet light reaches all areas of the fluid effectively, with particular emphasis on locations far from the light source. The spherical geometry and port positioning create localized high-intensity irradiation zones that extend throughout the fluid volume, resolving the contradiction between coverage and intensity.
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 configuration effectively sterilizes the fluid by ensuring that the ultraviolet light reaches all areas of the fluid, enhancing the sterilization process.
Implementation Method 1
a light source for emitting the ultraviolet light into the storage part
Implementation Method 2
sterilize a fluid by irradiating the fluid with ultraviolet light
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to a sterilization device comprises: a storage part that is for storing a fluid and has a substantially spherical shape; a supply port for supplying the fluid into the storage part; an outlet for extracting the fluid from the storage part; and a light source for radiating ultraviolet light. When the supply port and the outlet are projected on an imaginary plane orthogonal to the extending direction of the inner surface of a supply channel that is connected to the storage part in the supply port, the centroid of the supply port is spaced apart from the centroid of the outlet. The light source is disposed such that the optical axis thereof is positioned at 75° to 105° with respect to a straight line that connects the centroid the storage part and the centroid of the outlet.