Steerable UV Cabin Disinfection System
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional vehicle cabin disinfection methods face limitations, including the inefficacy of physical media filters for airborne contaminants and the dependency on manual labor for surface disinfection, which may not ensure thorough coverage of contaminated areas.
Innovation Solution
A disinfection system comprising a controller, an ultraviolet radiation source, an air duct with internal reflective surfaces, and a steerable optical system that directs UV radiation to disinfect both airborne and surface-based contaminants within the vehicle cabin, using sensors to determine the need and location for disinfection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If physical media filters are used in HVAC systems to capture airborne contaminants, then filtration capability is provided, but filter effectiveness is compromised by size limitations and the need for periodic cleaning or replacement
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical physical media filters with an ultraviolet radiation-based disinfection system. The UV radiation source emits ultraviolet radiation that is reflected by reflective surfaces within the air duct to disinfect airborne contaminants, eliminating the need for physical filtration media and its associated maintenance
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the approach from physical capture to electromagnetic radiation-based disinfection. By using ultraviolet radiation with specific wavelengths that are effective at neutralizing contaminants, the system transforms the disinfection mechanism from mechanical filtration to photonic action, improving reliability without maintenance burden
2Reliability
If manual physical cleaning of cabin surfaces is performed to disinfect surface-based contaminants, then disinfection capability is provided, but thoroughness is dependent on the operator and awareness of contaminated areas
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical cleaning with an automated ultraviolet radiation system. The steerable optical system directs UV radiation to surfaces based on sensor input, automating the disinfection process and eliminating dependency on human operators to identify and clean contaminated areas
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates sensors that detect surfaces requiring disinfection and provide feedback to the controller. The controller then directs the steerable optical system to target those specific areas, creating a closed-loop system that ensures thorough disinfection based on actual contamination needs rather than manual assessment
3Reliability
If a comprehensive disinfection system is implemented to neutralize both airborne and surface contaminants, then disinfection effectiveness is improved, but system complexity increases with multiple components
Solution Approach 1:
The system integrates multiple functions into a unified platform: the ultraviolet radiation source serves both airborne and surface disinfection, the steerable optical system directs radiation to multiple target areas, and the sensor network monitors various contamination types. This multi-functional approach achieves comprehensive disinfection while managing complexity through coordinated integration
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines airborne disinfection (via air duct integration) and surface disinfection (via steerable optical system) into a single coordinated system. The UV radiation source and control mechanism are merged to provide unified disinfection capability, reducing the need for separate systems and managing overall complexity
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 system provides a comprehensive and efficient disinfection of vehicle cabins by neutralizing airborne and surface-based contaminants, improving cabin hygiene, especially in high-occupancy vehicles like rideshares, while also offering enhanced cooling for autonomous driving components.
Implementation Method 1
an ultraviolet radiation source configured to emit ultraviolet radiation
Implementation Method 2
configured to emit ultraviolet radiation to disinfect airborne and surface-based contaminants
Implementation Method 3
the air duct includes one or more internal reflective surfaces configured to reflect the ultraviolet radiation
Implementation Method 4
a steerable optical system configured to direct the ultraviolet radiation to surfaces of the cabin
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods are provided for disinfecting a cabin of a vehicle. In one example, a disinfection system comprises a controller, an ultraviolet radiation source, an air duct, and a steerable optical system. The ultraviolet radiation source is in communication with the controller, disposed within the air duct, and configured to emit ultraviolet radiation. The air duct comprises an inlet configured to receive air particles from within the cabin. The air duct comprises one or more internal reflective surfaces configured to reflect the ultraviolet radiation so as to disinfect the air particles within the air duct. The air duct comprises an outlet configured to transmit the disinfected air particles out of the air duct via the outlet. The steerable optical system is coupled to the air duct and configured to receive and selectively direct the ultraviolet radiation to disinfect the cabin. Additional systems and related methods are provided.