Spiral Pipe Sterilizer Layout for Uniform Fluid Light Exposure
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing sterilization technologies are inefficient in effectively sterilizing fluids, particularly water and air, due to uneven light exposure and stagnation of fluids, leading to incomplete treatment.
Innovation Solution
A sterilizing device with a spiral-shaped pipe and light source configuration that ensures both inlet and outlet are positioned within the light emission region, allowing fluids to flow through an elongated channel for uniform exposure to light, minimizing eddy formation and optimizing light intensity distribution.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a conventional linear pipe is used with a light source, then the device structure is simple, but the light distribution is non-uniform and sterilization effectiveness is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies a spiral configuration to the linear pipe, transforming it from a straight structure into a curved three-dimensional form. This spiral arrangement allows the fluid to traverse a longer path while remaining within the light emission region, ensuring uniform exposure to light for improved sterilization effectiveness without significantly complicating the overall device structure
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from a two-dimensional linear pipe arrangement to a three-dimensional spiral configuration. This dimensional change enables the pipe to occupy space more efficiently, allowing the inlet and outlet to both be positioned within the light emission region while maintaining uniform light distribution throughout the fluid path
2Reliability
If the inlet and outlet are positioned far apart to ensure complete fluid treatment, then sterilization coverage is improved, but the device size increases
Solution Approach 1:
By configuring the pipe in a spiral form rather than a straight line, the patent enables the fluid to travel a longer effective path within a compact three-dimensional space. This allows both inlet and outlet to be positioned within the light emission region, ensuring complete sterilization coverage while minimizing the device's overall footprint
Solution Approach 2:
The spiral pipe configuration effectively nests the fluid path within a compact volume, allowing the inlet and outlet to be positioned close to each other in three-dimensional space while maintaining a long effective fluid path for complete light exposure and sterilization 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 achieves efficient and uniform sterilization of fluids by ensuring all parts of the fluid are exposed to high-intensity light, enhancing treatment efficiency and reducing stagnation, thereby improving the overall sterilization process.
Implementation Method 1
a light source provided to one side of the pipe and emitting light to the fluid
Implementation Method 2
a reflector to distribute light uniformly along the pipe
Data Source
AI summary
A sterilizing device includes a pipe having an inlet and an outlet and allowing fluid to move therethrough and a light source provided on one side of the pipe and providing light to the fluid. At least a portion of the pipe is provided in a spiral shape and the inlet and/or the outlet are arranged in a light emitting region.