Fluid Sterilization Layout With Stacked UV LEDs and Heat Diffusion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fluid sterilization devices face challenges in miniaturization due to the increased number of LEDs required to irradiate the entire circumference with ultraviolet light beams, leading to a larger peripheral length and hindered compact design.
Innovation Solution
The device incorporates a first and second fluid path with light sources and heat sinks disposed on opposite sides of a circuit substrate, allowing for efficient heat diffusion to the fluids while maintaining compact size.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the number of LEDs is increased to irradiate the entire circumference with ultraviolet light beams, then the sterilization effectiveness is improved, but the peripheral length of the cylindrical member increases which hinders miniaturization
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from a single-cylinder configuration to a multi-layer stacked configuration. Multiple light source layers are arranged in the axial direction, allowing ultraviolet irradiation of the entire fluid path without increasing the peripheral length. This dimensional change from radial to axial arrangement enables compact design while maintaining sterilization effectiveness.
Solution Approach 2:
The fluid sterilization device is divided into multiple independent light source layers, each with a reduced number of LEDs. Each layer sterilizes a specific radial region of the fluid path, and the combined effect of multiple layers achieves complete circumferential sterilization without requiring a large number of LEDs in a single layer.
2Illumination intensity
If the number of LEDs is increased to cover the entire circumference, then the ultraviolet irradiation coverage is improved, but the heat generation from light sources increases making heat diffusion difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The total heat generation problem is segmented across multiple layers. Each layer contains fewer LEDs and generates less heat, making heat diffusion more manageable. The heat from each layer is dissipated locally to the fluid passing through that radial region, preventing heat accumulation while maintaining comprehensive ultraviolet coverage.
Solution Approach 2:
Heat dissipation is optimized by distributing light sources across multiple axial layers. This allows heat to be diffused to different sections of the fluid path in the axial direction, improving heat management efficiency while maintaining adequate ultraviolet irradiation coverage throughout the fluid.
3Device complexity
If a single fluid path is used, then the device structure is simplified, but the miniaturization is hindered due to the need for more light sources
Solution Approach 1:
The single fluid path is segmented into multiple radial regions that are sterilized by different light source layers. Each layer's light sources irradiate a specific radial region, and the segmentation allows for a compact stacked arrangement that reduces overall device volume while maintaining effective 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
This configuration enables miniaturization by effectively diffusing heat generated by the light sources to the fluids, ensuring thorough sterilization without increasing device size.
Implementation Method 1
a first group of light sources configured to be disposed along the first fluid path on a surface of a side of the first fluid path of the circuit substrate, and configured to irradiate the first fluid path with ultraviolet light beams
Implementation Method 2
the first group and the second group of the heat sinks are respectively disposed at the rear surface positions of the light sources of the first group and the second group on the circuit substrate, and diffuse heat to the fluids of the second fluid path and the first fluid path
Data Source
AI summary
Straight tubes respectively include fluid paths, and are joined with a circuit substrate interposed therebetween in the lateral direction. LEDs are respectively mounted on the fluid paths sides of the circuit substrate, and fluids in the fluid paths are respectively irradiated with ultraviolet light beams. The heat generated by the LEDs is diffused from heat sinks at a rear surface position to the fluids of the fluid paths.